This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is super juicy and bursting with tropical flavor! The sweet honey mixes perfectly with fresh pineapple for a tasty glaze that makes your mouth water.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a little sweet and tangy magic on their chicken? I always feel like I’m on a mini vacation when I make this dish. Perfect for summer BBQs or any day!
I love serving it with rice or a fresh salad—it’s a simple way to brighten up dinner and impress everyone. Plus, grilling is always a fun way to cook together! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe due to their quick cooking time. However, you could also use thighs for more tenderness or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Pineapple Juice: Freshly squeezed pineapple juice provides a vibrant flavor, but canned juice works well too. If you’re short on pineapple juice, orange juice can be a lovely substitute, giving it a different but tasty twist.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and richness. If you have dietary restrictions, agave syrup or maple syrup can replace honey and still keep that sweet flavor intact.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Coconut aminos can be used for a soy-free alternative, giving a slightly different flavor while keeping it delicious.
Ground Ginger: Fresh ginger provides a bold taste and is often my choice. If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger is a good substitute; just remember it’s less intense, so you might want slightly more.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with some tips, you can achieve juicy and flavorful results. Here’s how to master the grilling technique:
- Marinate Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour; overnight gives the best flavor!
- Preheat the Grill: It’s crucial to have the grill hot before placing the chicken on it. Aim for medium-high heat.
- Oil the Grate: Use oil to prevent sticking. I recommend using a paper towel dipped in oil and using tongs to wipe the grill.
- Cooking Time: Grill your chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, flipping once for perfect grill marks.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe eating. This takes the guesswork out of grilling!
Let the chicken rest after grilling; this helps retain juiciness when you slice it. Happy grilling!
How to Make Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 pound chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Grilling:
- Pineapple wedges (for grilling and garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the marinade and chicken, plus at least 1 hour of marinating time in the fridge. Grilling the chicken will take about 15-20 minutes, making the total time around 1 hour and 35 minutes if you marinate for 1 hour, or longer if you choose to marinate overnight for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended, creating a flavorful marinade for your chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s fully covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. If you have more time, marinating overnight will enhance the flavors even more!
3. Preheat and Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. To prevent sticking, brush the grill grates with a little oil before cooking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks (make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F).
5. Optional Grilled Pineapple:
If you want to add some extra sweetness, in the last few minutes of grilling, place pineapple wedges on the grill. This will caramelize them and add a delicious touch to your meal!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken and pineapple are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. After resting, slice the chicken and serve it with the grilled pineapple wedges on the side. You can drizzle any extra juices or honey over the top if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They may take a few extra minutes to cook through, so use an instant-read thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F for safe consumption.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Marinade?
If you prefer a less sweet marinade, simply reduce the amount of honey to suit your taste. Alternatively, you can add a splash of lime juice to balance the sweetness with some acidity!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. You can also slice it and toss it into salads or wraps for a quick meal!
Can I Use a Grill Pan if I Don’t Have an Outdoor Grill?
Yes! A grill pan works great for this recipe. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat, oil it lightly to prevent sticking, and grill the chicken as you would on an outdoor grill, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
