Tropical Fusion Hawaiian Chicken

Name: Tropical Fusion Hawaiian Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup pineapple juice; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 mango, diced; 1/4 red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 lime, juiced; 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced; Salt to taste

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 20 min

🍽 Serves: 8

If you're yearning for a taste of the tropics without leaving your kitchen, this Tropical Fusion Hawaiian Chicken is your ticket. With a zesty marinade and a vibrant mango salsa, it's perfect for any occasion that needs a splash of sunshine.

Print Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
Great for grilling season or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs

1 cup pineapple juice

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 mango, diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 lime, juiced

1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced

Salt to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by grabbing a large bowl and whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. This mixture is your marinade, a fragrant blend that promises to infuse every bite of the chicken with flavor.

Submerge the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are well-covered. It’s best to let them soak for at least 2 hours in the fridge. If you can, leave them overnight for an even more intense flavor.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place them on the grill. Cook each side for about 6–7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has those lovely grill marks.

While the chicken is sizzling, throw together the mango salsa. In a bowl, combine the diced mango, chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and minced jalapeño. Toss everything with a pinch of salt until well mixed.

Once the chicken is done, serve it hot with a generous spoonful of the fresh mango salsa on top. Enjoy the tropical flavors with every bite!

Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, reserve some marinade and brush it onto the chicken during grilling.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to keep it juicy.
If you prefer less heat, use half a jalapeño in the salsa.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with coconut rice or a simple green salad. For a complete tropical feast, serve it with grilled pineapples or plantains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?: Yes, but be cautious not to overcook them as they can dry out more easily than thighs.
Is there a substitute for mango?: Pineapple or peach would work well as alternatives in the salsa.
How can I make this dish spicier?: Keep the jalapeño seeds in the salsa or add a touch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

Ingredients Explained

Chicken thighs are ideal for grilling because they stay juicy and flavorful. The pineapple juice not only adds sweetness but also helps tenderize the chicken. Soy sauce brings a savory depth, while brown sugar balances the tanginess. Olive oil keeps everything moist and adds a subtle richness. Fresh garlic and ginger introduce aromatic warmth. A touch of black pepper rounds out the flavors.

For the salsa, mango adds sweetness and a pop of color. Red onion contributes a sharp contrast. Cilantro provides a fresh, herbal note, while lime juice brightens everything up. Jalapeño adds just the right amount of kick. Adjust salt to taste to bring all the flavors together.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.

2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through.

4. While the chicken is grilling, prepare the mango salsa by combining mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir until well mixed.

5. Serve the grilled chicken hot, topped with the fresh mango salsa.

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