This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is juicy, sweet, and oh-so-delicious! The mix of honey and pineapple creates a tasty glaze that makes each bite feel like a tropical getaway.
Grilling this chicken is super easy! I love serving it with rice or fresh veggies. It’s a fun way to enjoy summer flavors any time of the year. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds! 🌺🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they grill well and stay juicy. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work great too and add more flavor.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice enhances the taste, but you can use canned juice in a pinch. If pineapple isn’t available, orange juice can provide a nice fruity alternative.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps with caramelization on the grill. If you’re looking for a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar can work as well. Brown sugar could be used in a pinch, mixed with a bit of water.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. For a gluten-free option, tamari is a great choice.
Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a wonderful zing, but ground ginger is fine if you’re in a hurry. If you dislike ginger, feel free to skip it, or use a dash of cinnamon for a different flavor.
How Can You Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can sometimes be tricky, especially to get it juicy and cooked all the way through. Here are some tips to nail it:
- Marinating: Letting the chicken soak in the marinade overnight is best for flavor. If short on time, try for at least 1 hour.
- Preheating: Always grill on medium-high heat. If the grill isn’t hot enough, the chicken can end up steaming instead of grilling.
- Using a Meat Thermometer: To avoid undercooking or overcooking, use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (75°C) inside.
- Rest Time: Let the chicken rest after grilling. This helps keep it juicy as the juices redistribute.
Take your time with each step, and you’ll have delicious grilled chicken every time!
How to Make Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Grilling (Optional):
- Fresh pineapple slices
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 1 hour to marinate, but overnight is best for flavorful chicken. Cooking on the grill will take another 15-20 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes to get this delicious meal on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined to create a tasty marinade for your chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, let it marinate overnight to soak up all that flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off (throw away the leftover marinade). Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for those lovely grill marks, and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
4. Grill the Pineapple (Optional):
If you want to add a sweet touch to your plate, grill some fresh pineapple slices! Just place the slices on the grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re caramelized and have grill marks.
5. Finish and Serve:
Once the chicken and pineapple are done, remove them from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken and serve it up with the grilled pineapple. For an extra pop of color, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top. Enjoy your delicious Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken!
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer darker meat. Just keep in mind that thighs might take a couple of extra minutes to cook through. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What if I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
No problem! You can use orange juice or apple juice as a substitute. Alternatively, you can mix water with some vinegar to create a tangy flavor that resembles pineapple juice. Just keep the sweetness in balance by adjusting the amount of honey you use!
Can I Prepare the Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can make the marinade ahead of time! Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days before using it. Just whisk it well again before marinating the chicken to ensure the ingredients are combined.
How to 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 if you want to keep it longer. When reheating, make sure to do so gently to keep it from drying out, either in the microwave with a splash of water or in a pan over low heat.
