In this flavorful episode of Jet Tila’s Cooking with Coyote, Chef Jet Tila showcases the versatility of outdoor cooking by combining a classic poultry dish with bold, tropical flair. Jet takes us step-by-step through the process of creating a stunning Pineapple Chicken mounted on a fresh pineapple “throne,” paired with a medley of perfectly roasted vegetables and finished with a tangy pineapple vinaigrette. With the help of his trusted Coyote outdoor appliances, Jet demonstrates how your outdoor kitchen can elevate even the simplest ingredients into an unforgettable meal.
The Main Event: Pineapple Chicken
Jet kicks off the episode by introducing his flavorful twist on the popular beer can chicken—by replacing the beer can with a pineapple. The result? A dish that’s tender, juicy, and packed with tropical notes.
To start, Jet prepares a brine for the chicken, explaining how a simple blend of salt, sugar, acid, and aromatics infuses the bird with moisture and flavor. After brining for up to 24 hours, the chicken is patted dry (inside and out) and seasoned with a custom spice rub featuring paprika, garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, and thyme.
The showstopper, though, is how Jet mounts the chicken onto a pineapple base. This ingenious technique not only infuses the meat with sweetness but also makes for an eye-catching presentation.
Pro Tip: Tuck the wings behind the bird (full nelson style) to ensure even cooking.
The Perfect Roast: Cooking on the Grill
Using indirect heat on the Coyote outdoor grill, Jet transforms his setup into a high-heat convection oven, cooking the chicken at 450-475°F. By placing the chicken on the “off” side of the grill while the other side remains on high, he creates a controlled environment that evenly roasts the bird to golden perfection.
Jet reminds viewers to use a meat thermometer to check doneness—aiming for 160°F in the breast and 165°F in the thigh for juicy, fully cooked chicken.
The Supporting Cast: Roasted Vegetables
Jet’s side dish is a colorful blend of Treviso, endive, asparagus, fennel, carrots, shallots, and green beans—a perfect accompaniment to the pineapple chicken. He emphasizes roasting vegetables in large chunks to preserve their natural sweetness and achieve that perfect charred exterior.
His secret to flavorful roasted veggies? Olive oil, salt, and pepper. Sometimes, simplicity wins.
Pro Tip: Use a cast-iron pan in your outdoor oven or grill to lock in flavor and retain heat evenly.
The Finishing Touch: Pineapple Vinaigrette
To tie the whole meal together, Jet creates a bright and zesty pineapple vinaigrette using the leftover pineapple pieces. Here’s what goes into this simple yet elevated dressing:
- Pineapple
- Dijon mustard (for flavor and emulsion)
- Tarragon vinegar
- Meyer lemon juice
- Olive oil (streamed in slowly to create a silky emulsion)
- Fresh herbs like thyme and finely chopped shallots
Jet’s Tip: Stick to a ratio of 1 part acid to 3 parts olive oil for a balanced vinaigrette. The result is a tangy, aromatic dressing that enhances the roasted vegetables and ties back to the pineapple-infused chicken.
Plating & Presentation
Jet’s final presentation is as impressive as the flavors. He plates the whole roasted chicken in the center of a large platter, surrounding it with the roasted vegetables and drizzling everything with the pineapple vinaigrette.
This “family-style” spread is the perfect blend of rustic and refined—ideal for entertaining. Jet encourages viewers to get hands-on with their food and enjoy a fun, interactive meal with friends and family.
Jet’s Outdoor Cooking Essentials
As always, Jet proves that anything you can cook indoors, you can cook even better in your outdoor kitchen. His key takeaways for maximizing your outdoor cooking experience:
- Use indirect heat for slow roasting.
- Don’t be afraid to season generously—especially when cooking outside where flavors can dissipate.
- Invest in versatile tools like cast-iron pans and high-performance appliances to elevate your cooking.
Recipes and Resources
Coyote Outdoor Appliances Used
For more outdoor cooking inspiration, follow Coyote Outdoor Living on social media and stay tuned for more innovative recipes and expert tips from Jet Tila. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting an outdoor dinner party, this episode shows that bold flavors and creativity make all the difference!
