Introducing a tantalizing recipe straight from the pages of the “Arizona Republic” newspaper, our Chicken with Pineapple Marinade promises to elevate your taste buds to new heights! Perfect for lunch or snacks, this dish brings together the irresistible flavors of juicy chicken, tropical pineapple, and a hint of spice, making it a delightful choice for any occasion, whether it’s a sunny spring day, a balmy summer evening, or even a cozy winter meal.
🕒 Cook Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 6 hours
🕒 Total Time: 6 hours and 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken breast halves
- 1/2 pineapple
- 2 jalapeno chiles
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 fresh lime (for juice and zest)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 356.4
- Fat: 13.7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.9g
- Cholesterol: 92.8mg
- Sodium: 1258mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 21.1g
- Protein: 31.2g
Instructions:
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Prepare the Marinade:
- In a blender, combine the pineapple chunks, jalapeno chiles (seeds removed for less heat), and garlic cloves. Blend until the mixture is almost smooth, creating a vibrant and flavorful base for your marinade.
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Add Flavorful Enhancements:
- To the blender, add in the freshly squeezed lime juice, chopped cilantro, and lime zest, infusing the marinade with zesty citrus notes and aromatic cilantro.
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Marinate the Chicken:
- Transfer the marinade into a large glass baking dish, providing ample space for the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors. Place the chicken breast halves into the dish, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade.
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Chill and Infuse:
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the chicken to marinate and absorb the tropical essence of the pineapple and the kick of the jalapenos.
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Preheat and Prepare:
- When ready to cook, preheat your broiler or grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot and ready to char and caramelized the chicken to perfection.
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Season and Glaze:
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the reserved marinade with honey, whisking until well blended to create a sweet and sticky glaze.
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Grill or Broil:
- Place the chicken on the preheated grill or broiler, cooking for about 15 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through, brushing with the honey marinade glaze and basting frequently to ensure a caramelized exterior and juicy interior.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully glazed, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges for a fresh burst of color and flavor, and serve your Chicken with Pineapple Marinade alongside your favorite sides or atop a bed of fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal that’s bursting with tropical goodness.
With its vibrant flavors, juicy chicken, and irresistible sweetness, this Chicken with Pineapple Marinade is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire, whether you’re a beginner cook looking for an easy and inexpensive meal or a seasoned chef seeking to infuse your dishes with a taste of the Caribbean. So fire up the grill or preheat the broiler and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this tropical-inspired culinary delight! 🍍🍗✨
