This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is a tasty twist on your regular barbecue. The sweet honey and juicy pineapple make every bite full of flavor. It’s simple to make and sure to impress!
Cooking this delicious chicken is fun! I love the way the grill brings out the sweetness of the honey and pineapple. Perfect for a sunny day cookout—just don’t forget the napkins! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are usually my go-to. They’re easy to grill and cook quickly. You can also use chicken thighs for darker meat, which can be juicier and more tender.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice adds a bright flavor. If you don’t have it, canned juice works well. In a pinch, orange juice can give a sweet twist.
Honey: Honey is a sweetener that balances the flavors beautifully. If you’re looking for a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar can also be used, but they bring a different taste.
Soy Sauce: This adds depth to the marinade. If you’re avoiding soy, try using coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is wonderful for flavor. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder works; just use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a zesty flavor kick. In absence of fresh, ground ginger is fine; it has a stronger flavor, so lessen the amount.
How Do You Get the Chicken Grilled Just Right?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few important steps, you’ll get juicy results every time. First, don’t skip marinating! It helps the chicken soak up flavors and stay moist.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour. The longer, the better, up to 4 hours.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat to ensure a good sear.
- Let any excess marinade drip off before grilling to avoid flare-ups.
- Cook about 6-7 minutes on one side, flip, and baste with reserved marinade to keep it moist.
- Always check for doneness—165°F is the target. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute.
How to Make Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- Pineapple slices, for grilling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour to marinate. You can let it sit in the fridge for up to 4 hours for extra flavor. Grill time is around 15 minutes. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes (or longer if you marinate it longer!).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and olive oil. Stir until everything is well combined and the honey is dissolved. This will be your tasty marinade.
2. Prep the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts or tenders and sprinkle them with salt and pepper on both sides. Next, place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, let it marinate for 2-4 hours!
3. Get Ready to Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and remove it from the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off, but be sure to save the leftover marinade for basting while grilling.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side. When it’s time to flip, baste it with the reserved marinade. Cook for another 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked all the way through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Grill the Pineapple (Optional):
If you’d like to add grilled pineapple slices, place them on the grill during the last few minutes of cooking. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are caramelized and have beautiful grill marks.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Serve the grilled chicken with the grilled pineapple slices on the side, if you made them. Enjoy your delicious honey pineapple grilled chicken!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks if you prefer. Just remember that cooking times will vary, so be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What Can I Use Instead of Pineapple Juice?
No pineapple juice? No problem! You can substitute it with orange juice for a different but equally tasty flavor, or even use apple juice if you prefer a milder taste. Just keep the ratios the same for the best results!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Just be cautious not to exceed this time, as the acid in the pineapple juice can start to break down the chicken too much, making it mushy.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, use the microwave or a grill, and consider adding a splash of leftover marinade to keep it moist and flavorful!
