This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is a tasty treat that combines juicy chicken with sweet pineapple and a touch of honey. It’s perfect for summer barbecues!
The blend of sweet and savory flavors makes it super yummy. I love how easy it is to whip up on a weeknight. Just grill it, and you’ve got a delicious meal ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is great for this recipe but can be swapped for thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. Thighs are also more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Pineapple Juice: If you don’t have fresh pineapple juice, canned juice works well too. You can even use orange juice if you want a different flavor twist.
Honey: For a lighter option, try agave syrup or maple syrup instead. They both add sweetness without changing the overall character of the dish.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt intake, or try tamari for a gluten-free version. Coconut aminos also work as a soy sauce alternative.
Paprika: This is optional, but if you like a little smoky flavor, you can substitute with smoked paprika. For a spicy kick, go for cayenne pepper instead!
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is key to enhancing the flavor of your chicken. Start by mixing your marinade ingredients in a bowl. The combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors will soak into the chicken beautifully.
- Combine pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and paprika in a bowl.
- Place your chicken strips in a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over, seal it, and gently shake to coat.
- For best results, let it marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, or up to four hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, making it more tender and tasty.
Remember to discard the marinade before grilling, as it can harbor harmful bacteria from the raw chicken. Enjoy your flavorful, juicy grilled chicken!
How to Make Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips or tenderloins
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
For Grilling (Optional):
- Fresh pineapple slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour for marinating. Cooking the chicken will take roughly 15 minutes. So in total, plan for about 1 hour and 25 minutes, plus marinating time if you want to let it soak longer for extra flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and paprika until everything is well combined. This marinade is what will give your chicken a sweet and savory flavor that’s simply irresistible!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken strips in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag tightly, and gently massage it to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated. Now, pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or for up to 4 hours if you have the time. The longer, the better!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you are using fresh pineapple slices, you can also preheat a grill pan for those as well. This step is important to get that nice char on your chicken!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Once the grill is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Place the chicken strips on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they’re fully cooked through and have beautiful grill marks.
5. Grill the Pineapple (Optional):
If you decided to use fresh pineapple slices, place them on the grill during the last 2-3 minutes of the chicken cooking. Turn them occasionally until they become golden and caramelized. This will add a lovely sweetness to your meal!
6. Let the Chicken Rest:
Once the chicken and pineapple are off the grill, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy and tender.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the grilled chicken with the caramelized pineapple slices on the side. Enjoy this flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Skinless Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well and add a bit more moisture and flavor to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a couple of extra minutes to cook through compared to breasts.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can substitute it with orange juice or even apple juice. You might also consider mixing a bit of water with any sweetened pineapple preserves for a similar flavor profile.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a pan or the microwave until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Grill?
Definitely! Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions grill beautifully and pair well with the flavors of the chicken. Just cut them into chunks, toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill them alongside your chicken for a complete meal!
