Grilled Chicken with Bad Axe Jalapeño & Pineapple Salsa

Grilled Chicken with Bad Axe Jalapeño & Pineapple Salsa

Sweet pineapple, juicy tomatoes, fresh chives, and a little heat from Bad Axe Jalapeño make this a colorful cookout recipe. The cheese melts over smoky grilled chicken, while the fresh salsa adds a bright, sweet finish.

Featuring: Hidden Springs Bad Axe Jalapeño

Ingredients

For the chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 6 ounces Bad Axe Jalapeño, sliced or shredded

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the pineapple salsa

  • 1½ cups fresh pineapple, finely diced

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

  • ½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced

  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced

  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the salsa. Combine the pineapple, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, chives, and optional cilantro in a bowl. Add the lime juice and salt, then gently toss. Refrigerate while preparing the chicken.

  1. Season the chicken. Rub the chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  1. Grill. Cook over medium heat for approximately 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

  1. Melt the cheese. During the final minute of grilling, top each chicken breast with Bad Axe Jalapeño. Close the grill lid briefly until the cheese is melted.

  1. Finish. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and spoon the fresh pineapple, tomato, and chive salsa over the top.

Serving Ideas

Serve alongside grilled corn, cilantro-lime rice, or a simple green salad. For a fun variation, slice the chicken and serve it in warm tortillas with extra salsa.

Farm Kitchen Tip

For a little extra smoky sweetness, grill thick pineapple slices before dicing them into the salsa. The caramelized pineapple pairs beautifully with the jalapeño flavor of Bad Axe, while the tomatoes and chives keep every bite fresh and balanced.

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