Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Juicy Grilled Pineapple Chicken because it’s full of vibrant flavor, incredibly juicy, and simple to make. The pineapple marinade infuses the chicken with sweetness and tang, while grilling adds irresistible charred edges. It’s a wholesome, feel-good meal that’s both family-friendly and great for entertaining. Plus, it pairs beautifully with rice, salads, or grilled vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Pineapple juice
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Honey or brown sugar
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated (optional)
- Olive oil
- Lime juice
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh pineapple rings (for grilling)
- Optional garnish: chopped cilantro or green onions
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Grill pineapple rings for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized and lightly charred.
- Serve the chicken topped with grilled pineapple and a drizzle of reserved (boiled) marinade, if desired. Garnish with cilantro or green onions.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade.
- Teriyaki style: Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce or sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Low-sugar: Use pineapple juice with no added sugar and skip the honey.
- Oven-baked version: Bake marinated chicken at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes for caramelization.
- Tropical twist: Add coconut milk to the marinade for a creamier flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through. Grilled pineapple can be stored separately and reheated briefly in the microwave or enjoyed cold. Avoid freezing once cooked to maintain the best texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, canned pineapple juice works perfectly for the marinade.
2. Can I grill the pineapple and chicken together?
Absolutely! Just grill them side by side and remove the pineapple once caramelized.
3. What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Boneless thighs stay extra juicy, but chicken breasts also work well if not overcooked.
4. How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour, but 4–6 hours gives the best flavor. Avoid marinating longer than 8 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat too much.
5. Can I make this without a grill?
Yes, cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven.
6. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) and the juices should run clear.
7. Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce instead of making a marinade?
Yes, but homemade pineapple marinade gives fresher, brighter flavor.
8. What sides go best with pineapple chicken?
Serve with coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
9. Can I add vegetables to the grill?
Yes, bell peppers, onions, or zucchini pair wonderfully with the pineapple flavors.
10. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken in advance and grill just before serving for best results.
Conclusion
Juicy Grilled Pineapple Chicken is a flavorful, summery dish that combines tender, smoky chicken with the sweetness of pineapple. It’s easy to prepare, beautifully balanced, and versatile enough for family dinners or backyard cookouts. With every bite bursting with tropical flavor, this recipe will quickly become a warm-weather favorite.
PrintJuicy Grilled Pineapple Chicken
Juicy Grilled Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant, tropical-inspired dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze, then grilled to juicy perfection. Paired with caramelized pineapple slices, it’s a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors—ideal for summer barbecues or easy weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Tropical / Hawaiian
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 fresh pineapple rings (for grilling)
- Optional garnish: chopped cilantro or green onions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Grill pineapple rings for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized and lightly charred.
- Serve the chicken topped with grilled pineapple and a drizzle of boiled leftover marinade, if desired. Garnish with cilantro or green onions.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour but no longer than 8 to maintain texture.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- For extra smoky flavor, brush pineapple rings with a little honey before grilling.
- Pairs wonderfully with coconut rice or grilled vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
