Description
A vibrant and refreshing grilled chicken paillard marinated with zesty lime and aromatic garlic, topped with a sweet and spicy pineapple jalapeno salsa. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that combines tangy, smoky, and tropical flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast (thin cut or butterflied)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- Juice from 1 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Pineapple Jalapeno Salsa
- 1 cup grilled and diced pineapple
- 1 cup grilled sweet corn kernels (or canned corn)
- 1 tablespoon diced jalapeno
- 1/3 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/3 cup diced shallots
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to 400°F to ensure it is hot and ready for cooking the chicken evenly and quickly.
- Prepare Chicken: If chicken breasts are thick, butterfly them and place in a Ziploc bag. Use the soft side of a mallet to pound the chicken until about ¼ inch thick for even cooking.
- Marinate Chicken: Add olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, sliced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper to the bag with chicken. Seal and massage the marinade into the chicken, coating it evenly.
- Let Marinate: Allow the chicken to marinate for 20-25 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare Salsa: While chicken marinates, dice the grilled pineapple into small cubes and add to a mixing bowl.
- Add Salsa Ingredients: Finely dice shallots and jalapeno, add to bowl. Dice red bell pepper and remove corn kernels from cob, adding them to the bowl as well.
- Season Salsa: Add a pinch of salt and lime juice to the salsa mixture. Gently combine all ingredients and set aside to let flavors meld.
- Prepare Grill Surface: Place a sheet of foil on the heated grill to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Grill Chicken: Place marinated chicken on the foil and grill for about 3 minutes per side, flipping carefully. Thinly pounded chicken cooks quickly and should have a nice char.
- Serve: Remove chicken from grill and arrange on a platter. Top generously with pineapple jalapeno salsa. Optionally garnish with crushed peanuts and sliced scallions for extra texture and flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing on top to add extra brightness.
Notes
- Butterflying and pounding the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and remains tender.
- Grilling the pineapple and corn adds a smoky depth to the salsa, but canned corn can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the jalapeno quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Foil on the grill helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier without losing grill marks.
- Crushed peanuts and scallions are optional garnishes that add crunch and freshness but can be omitted for allergies or preference.
- Serve with lime wedges for added zest and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
