| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 6g | 1g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 3g | 60g | 0.8g |
There’s something undeniably mouthwatering and enticing about the zesty, vibrant flavors of my all-time favorite, Grilled Jalapeño Chicken Recipe. Inspired by the sun-kissed produce of my Californian upbringing and combined with my unending quest for healthier, comforting meals, this dish is a melody of familiar comfort and exotic adventure on your plate.
A Harmonious Gathering of Flavors
This grilled jalapeño chicken recipe is like taking a culinary journey, each bite leading you deeper into an indulgent expedition of flavors. The tantalizing heat from the ripe jalapeños infuses each bite of the succulent chicken breast with juiciness, robust flavor, and a kick that leaves your palate thirsting for more.
Contrasted exquisitely against the sizzle of the chicken and the jalapeños is the sweetness of fresh, ripe pineapple. These golden, grilled pineapple rings provide a tropical tinge to this dish, not merely offering a balance to the fieriness of the jalapeños but also elevating the overall melody of flavors into a crescendo of delectable pleasure. The addition of plump garlic cloves, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime creates a cornucopia of flavors that encompass the breadth and depth of whole-food cooking.
A Toast to Healthful Dining
This grilled chicken recipe isn’t just about tantalizing your taste buds—it’s also a toast to good health. Using heart-healthy olive oil, lean chicken breasts, and an array of fresh produce, this dish lives up to my West Coast-inspired philosophy of balanced, conscious eating. The spicy jalapeños are known to speed up the metabolism, combined with the immune-boosting properties of garlic and vitamin C-rich pineapple, it makes the recipe not only a delightful dining experience but also a nourishing one.
This dish is reminiscent of a traditional Caribbean Grilled Chicken in its use of citrus and heat, but with my signature Californian twist. If you’re thinking of what to pair it with, a cilantro-lime rice or a robust red wine from our very own Napa Valley would do this recipe justice.
I hope, dear reader, this Grilled Jalapeño Chicken recipe fills your table with joy, your home with delightful aromas, and your heart with the satisfaction of good health and great food. Because at the end of the day, that’s what food, comfort, and my recipes are all about—creating shared moments of joy over delectable, nourishing meals.
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What You’ll Need
- 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ripe jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of lime zest
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and cut into rings
- 6 slices of lime, for garnish
- Extra cilantro, for garnish
- Grill for cooking
Method
Step One
In a medium mixing bowl, combine finely chopped jalapeños, crushed garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, honey, lime zest, lime juice, and chopped fresh cilantro. This will serve as your marinade for the chicken.
Step Two
Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or dish. Pour the prepared jalapeño marinade over the chicken, thoroughly coating each piece. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or, for optimal flavor, overnight.
Step Three
While the chicken is marinating, prepare your pineapple. Start with a ripe pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings. Set pineapple rings aside until needed for grilling.
Step Four
Heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). Once the grill is hot, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Discard the leftover marinade.
Step Five
Place the marinated chicken breasts and pineapple rings on the preheated grill. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). At the same time, grill the pineapple rings for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely caramelized.
Step Six
Once the chicken and pineapple are done, remove them from the grill. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step Seven
To serve, place a grilled pineapple ring on each chicken breast. Garnish with extra cilantro and a slice of lime. Finally, enjoy your grilled jalapeño chicken feast with family and friends.
