This Easy Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken combines juicy chicken with sweet pineapple and a tasty honey glaze. It’s a simple dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal!
Plus, it’s super easy to make! Just marinate, grill, and enjoy. You’ll be impressed with how quickly this tasty dish comes together for a weeknight meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer, thighs can add more flavor and tenderness. Feel free to use whichever you like best!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is ideal, but canned pineapple works in a pinch. Just drain it well. You could try mango or peaches if you’re looking for something different.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps create that lovely glaze. If you need a substitute, try maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar texture and sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is perfect for flavor. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. Coconut aminos is another good choice for a soy-free version.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is best for both garlic and ginger, but dried can work in a pinch. Use 1/4 teaspoon of dried ginger and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder if you don’t have fresh!
How Do I Achieve Great Grill Marks and Flavor?
The key to perfect grill marks and flavor lies in proper grilling technique. Here’s how to get it right:
- Preheat the grill on medium-high. This helps with caramelization and creates those beautiful grill stripes.
- Oil the grill grates lightly before cooking to prevent sticking.
- Place chicken on the grill and leave it undisturbed for 6-7 minutes. Don’t move it around; this allows the grill to do its magic.
- Flip only once to maintain those lovely sear marks. You can brush on some reserved marinade for extra flavor as it cooks.
Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps keep it juicy. Enjoying your meal with perfectly grilled chicken and pineapple is all about patience and technique!
Easy Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh pineapple slices (about 4-5 slices), cut into rounds or rings
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook on the grill. With a minimum of 30 minutes for marinating (up to 2 hours for more flavor!), you can expect a total time of around 1 hour for a zesty meal that everyone will enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make Your Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger. Whisk everything together until well blended. This tasty mixture will act as both your marinade and glaze!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over it. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it marinate for 1-2 hours will enhance the flavor even more!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is key for getting a nice sear on the chicken and caramelizing the pineapple!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Once marinated, take the chicken out of the bag and reserve the marinade. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Occasionally brush the reserved marinade on top while grilling to create a delicious glaze.
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Alongside the chicken, add the pineapple slices to the grill. Grill them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they have nice grill marks and are warmed through. This will enhance their sweetness and flavor!
6. Rest and Serve:
After grilling, remove both the chicken and pineapple from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy. Place the grilled chicken on a plate, top with the grilled pineapple slices, and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
7. Enjoy!
Dig into this sweet and savory honey pineapple grilled chicken! It’s a meal that beautifully balances flavors and is sure to please anyone at the table. Happy eating!
FAQ for Easy Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! This marinade works wonderfully with pork chops or shrimp as well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; shrimp will take about 2-3 minutes per side, while pork chops may need about 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you’d like a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. For fresh heat, you can mix in some diced jalapeños or use spicy pineapple salsa as a topping.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a grill pan to avoid drying out the chicken.
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use canned pineapple in this recipe! Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Canned pineapple will be sweeter due to its syrup, so you may want to reduce the honey a bit if you’re watching the sweetness level.
