Grilled Pineapple Chicken Quesadilla

Name: Grilled Pineapple Chicken Quesadilla
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced; 1 cup fresh pineapple, sliced and grilled; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack); 4 large flour tortillas; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Sour cream; Chopped cilantro; Sliced jalapeños; Avocado

Highlighted under: Balanced Eating Ideas

I absolutely love making Grilled Pineapple Chicken Quesadillas for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends. The combination of juicy grilled chicken and sweet pineapple, all nestled in a warm tortilla and melted cheese, creates a delightful balance of flavors. It’s incredibly easy to whip up and can be customized with your preferred toppings. Every bite is bursting with tropical goodness, making it a go-to recipe that I always feel good serving to my family and guests.

Created by

Sophia

Last updated on 2026-01-30T01:39:27.985Z

When I first decided to make Grilled Pineapple Chicken Quesadillas, I wanted to create something that combined the smoky flavor of grilled chicken with the sweetness of fresh pineapple. The trick is to grill the pineapple for just a few minutes to enhance its natural sweetness and achieve those perfect caramelized grill marks. It transforms the entire dish into a tropical delight!

One memorable evening, I served these quesadillas at a backyard barbecue. Everyone went wild for them; it was exciting to see everyone come back for seconds. I learned that a little extra cheese adds a creamy texture that keeps the fillings from falling out, so I always make sure to pile it on!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory flavors that dance on your palate
Perfectly grilled pineapple adds a unique twist
Quick and easy to make, ideal for busy nights
Customize with your favorite toppings and ingredients

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

When preparing Grilled Pineapple Chicken Quesadillas, the quality of your ingredients directly affects the final dish. Using chicken breasts that are organic or free-range ensures a juicier and more flavorful outcome. Additionally, selecting ripe, fresh pineapple can enhance the sweetness and caramelization when grilled. I recommend looking for pineapples that give slightly to pressure and have a sweet aroma; these attributes signify that they are at their peak ripeness for cooking.

Don’t underestimate the impact of cheese in this recipe. Cheddar provides a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple, while Monterey Jack adds creaminess. Combining both types of cheese can create a delightful balance that melts beautifully, forming gooey layers within the quesadilla. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can try using vegan cheese shreds, but be sure to choose one that melts well, or you may end up with a subpar texture.

Grilling Tips for Perfect Chicken and Pineapple

Achieving the perfect grill marks and flavors on your chicken and pineapple involves precise timing and temperature control. Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 450°F). For the chicken, look for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it's fully cooked. If your chicken breasts are unevenly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for uniform cooking, which can prevent overcooking and resulting dryness.

When grilling pineapple, cut the slices roughly 1/2-inch thick so they maintain their structure while caramelizing. Keep the grill lid closed to enhance heat retention and achieve those beautiful grill marks. Pineapple should be cooked until it has vibrant grill marks and is slightly softened—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remember to turn carefully and use tongs to avoid crushing the fruit.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Grilled Pineapple Chicken Quesadilla:

For the Quesadilla

2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
1 cup fresh pineapple, sliced and grilled
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
4 large flour tortillas
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

Sour cream
Chopped cilantro
Sliced jalapeños
Avocado

Feel free to add any additional toppings you like for extra flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Grilled Pineapple Chicken Quesadilla:

Grill the Chicken and Pineapple

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. Grill the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Add the pineapple slices to the grill during the last 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until they are caramelized.

Assemble the Quesadilla

Once the chicken and pineapple are done, slice the chicken into strips. Lay one tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle half of it with cheese, followed by chicken and grilled pineapple. Top with more cheese and fold the tortilla in half.

Cook the Quesadilla

In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Serve

Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeños.

Enjoy the burst of flavors with each bite!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, marinate the chicken in a mix of lime juice and chili powder before grilling. This adds depth to the flavor and complements the sweetness of the pineapple wonderfully.

Customizing Your Quesadilla

Tailoring your quesadilla to fit your taste is one of the best parts of this recipe. If you're looking to spice things up, consider adding sliced jalapeños or smoky chipotle peppers into the mix. For a more refreshing take, cucumber or diced bell peppers can add a crunchy contrast to the melted cheese. The versatility of the quesadilla means you can practically use any leftovers you have on hand, making it perfect for cleaning out the fridge.

For a robust flavor, marinate your chicken breasts in lime juice, garlic, and cumin for at least an hour before grilling. This not only infuses your chicken with a zesty kick but also adds moisture to the meat. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or even plant-based options. Just ensure that whatever cheese you choose melts nicely, so you achieve that gooey texture.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

If you have leftover quesadilla, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend using a skillet on medium heat to maintain crispness—microwaving can result in a soggy texture. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through. You can also freeze ungrilled quesadillas. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them for up to two months. Just remember to separate each with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Serve your Grilled Pineapple Chicken Quesadillas alongside a zesty salsa or a fresh avocado salad for a satisfying meal. I also love adding a simple mango salsa to enhance the tropical flavors. The combination of sweet and savory notes with a refreshing side makes for a complete dinner option that’s both fun and delicious. You can even serve these quesadillas as appetizers—just cut them into smaller wedges ensuring everyone gets a taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp or tofu are great alternatives.

→ Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them in advance and store them for later. Just grill them when you're ready to eat.

→ What can I serve with quesadillas?

They pair well with a side salad, chips, or guacamole!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.