This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is a tasty blend of sweet and savory! Juicy chicken marinated in honey and pineapple juice makes for a flavorful dish that’s perfect for barbecues.
Who can resist the caramelized pineapple on top? It’s the cherry on the cake—or should I say, the pineapple on the chicken! 🍍 I love serving this with rice; it soaks up all those yummy juices.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for this recipe, as they grill well and remain juicy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use chicken thighs, which add extra flavor.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice is sweet and adds a tropical flavor. If you don’t have it, canned juice works, but check for no added sugar. Alternatively, a mix of orange juice and a bit of lime juice can give a similar sweetness.
Honey: Honey adds a beautiful glaze to the chicken. If you’re vegan or looking for a substitute, agave syrup or maple syrup can work just as well. Adjust the amount based on desired sweetness.
Soy Sauce: This adds depth and saltiness. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos. If you’re avoiding soy, try using liquid aminos.
Fresh Pineapple Slices: Grilled fresh pineapple enhances the dish with its caramelized sweetness. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, opt for canned slices; just drain them well before grilling.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy chicken is marinating it properly. After preparing the marinade, let the chicken soak in it for at least one hour—four hours is better for deeper flavor. The combination of pineapple juice and honey helps tenderize the meat.
- Combine pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Make sure all chicken pieces are covered in the marinade, then refrigerate.
- Before grilling, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes for even cooking.
Don’t forget to discard the marinade after use to ensure food safety! After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes; this helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and delicious.
How to Make Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple juice
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh pineapple slices (for grilling)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour of marinating time. Once marinated, grilling will take around 15 minutes. Overall, set aside about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s well blended. This will be the yummy marinade for the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s fully covered. If using a bag, seal it tightly, or cover the dish if using one. Pop it in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours if you want even more flavor).
3. Preheat the Grill:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help to give your chicken those nice grill marks and juicy flavor.
4. Grill the Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge and remove it from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Be sure to discard the leftover marinade so it doesn’t contaminate the cooked chicken. Place the chicken on the hot grill and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Grill Pineapple Slices:
In the last few minutes of grilling, place fresh pineapple slices on the grill. Grill them until they are caramelized and slightly charred, which should take about 2-3 minutes. They add a delicious sweetness to your dish!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is done grilling, remove the chicken and pineapple from the grill. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it. Serve the grilled chicken topped with the grilled pineapple slices and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your tasty Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight can enhance the flavors even more. Just ensure you keep it refrigerated and use it within 24 hours for the best taste and safety.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
No problem! You can substitute pineapple juice with orange juice or another fruit juice; however, the flavor will be slightly different. You could also blend fresh pineapple and strain it to make your own juice!
How Can I Tell If Chicken Is Fully Cooked?
The best way to check if your chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the juices run clear when you cut into the chicken.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. Reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
