This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is a tasty dish that’s perfect for summer! The chicken is marinated in a sweet and tangy mixture of honey and pineapple juice, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
Trust me, the smell of it grilling is enough to make your neighbors jealous! 🍍 I love serving it with some rice and fresh veggies for a complete meal that’s easy and delightful!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: The recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which make for a lean protein. However, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute agave syrup or maple syrup. Just keep in mind, the flavor will slightly change.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice is great, but canned works just as well. If you’re looking for a lower sugar option, coconut water is a good substitute and provides a unique flavor.
Soy Sauce: This brings a nice umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, you can use tamari or coconut aminos, both of which provide a similar taste without the soy allergens.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are ideal for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use garlic powder and ground ginger instead; however, the fresh versions have a better taste profile.
How Do I Get the Chicken Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is key to infusing flavor and ensuring tenderness. Take your time with this step: for best results, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or even overnight. This allows the flavors to soak in.
- Mix the marinade ingredients well and coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Store it in a plastic bag or a shallow dish to ensure the marinade covers every bit of the chicken.
- Don’t skip the resting time after grilling! Letting the chicken sit for a few minutes keeps it juicy.
How to Make Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Grilling:
- Fresh pineapple slices (for grilling, optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and marinating, plus around 15-20 minutes for grilling. For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours or overnight if you have the time. Overall, with marinating, expect around 1 hour and 40 minutes to enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the honey, pineapple juice, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, and salt. Use a whisk to mix everything together until well blended. This will be the tasty marinade that infuses flavor into your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour—longer is better, so if you can, let it sit for 4 hours or overnight!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat, about 350°F to 400°F. Take the chicken out of the marinade (remember to toss the leftover marinade). If you like, add fresh pineapple slices to the grill as well! Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If grilling the pineapple, let them cook for around 3-4 minutes on each side until they get nice grill marks and caramelize a bit.
4. Let it Rest and Serve:
Once everything is cooked through, remove the chicken and pineapple from the grill. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley, and enjoy alongside your grilled pineapple slices if you made them! Yum!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will stay juicy and flavorful on the grill. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a couple of extra minutes to cook through. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
How to Thicken the Marinade?
If you prefer a thicker marinade or glaze, you can whisk in a tablespoon or two of cornstarch after mixing the ingredients. To use, marinate the chicken as usual and then simmer the leftover marinade in a saucepan to thicken it before serving over the grilled chicken.
Storage Tips for Leftover Chicken
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat to keep it from drying out. You can also enjoy it cold in salads or wraps!
Can I Add More Spices to the Marinade?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the marinade by adding your favorite spices or herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat, or you might try adding fresh herbs, like thyme or basil, for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to balance any additions with the other ingredients.
