Puerto Rican Tropical Chicken

🕒 Prep: 2 hours
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Get ready to bring a taste of the tropics to your dinner table with this Puerto Rican Tropical Chicken. Bursting with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, it's the perfect way to spice up your weeknight meals.

Ingredients for Puerto Rican Tropical Chicken

Chicken breasts are the star of the dish, offering a lean source of protein that absorbs the marinade beautifully. The lime juice and orange juice provide a zesty marinade that tenderizes the chicken while adding a burst of citrus flavor. Olive oil enriches the marinade, helping to ensure the chicken stays moist and flavorful. The aromatic ground cumin and paprika bring warmth and depth to the dish. A dash of garlic powder adds a subtle, savory note. Salt and black pepper round out the flavors, enhancing each ingredient's natural taste.

Cilantro adds a fresh, herbal finish, perfect for balancing the rich flavors. Fresh pineapple chunks introduce a sweet contrast that complements the citrusy marinade. Red bell pepper and onion slices offer a pop of color and a satisfying crunch, making every bite interesting.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an even more intense flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.
  • To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with coconut rice or a simple side of black beans for an authentic Caribbean feel. A light, crunchy salad with a citrus vinaigrette would complement the flavors nicely as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely, chicken thighs will work well and offer a slightly richer flavor.
Is it okay to use canned pineapple?
Fresh pineapple is best for texture and flavor, but canned pineapple can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well.
How long can the leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Puerto Rican Tropical Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by whisking together the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This mixture is your marinade, packed with flavor and ready to infuse into the chicken.

Place the chicken breasts into the marinade, turning them to ensure they are completely coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish, pouring any leftover marinade over the top to maximize flavor. Scatter the pineapple chunks, red bell pepper slices, and onion slices around the chicken, distributing them evenly.

Bake the dish in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, garnish with chopped cilantro right before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines tangy citrus with sweet pineapple for a flavor explosion.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients you likely have on hand or can easily find.
  • Quick preparation time, perfect for busy evenings.
  • Healthy and colorful, making it visually appealing and nutritious.

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken breasts
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated, and let them marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Arrange chicken breasts in a baking dish, pouring the remaining marinade over them.
5. Scatter pineapple chunks, red bell pepper slices, and onion slices around the chicken.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

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