This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is a tasty and juicy dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts! The sweet honey and tangy pineapple blend beautifully, making each bite a delightful treat.
Honestly, who can resist that sweet and savory combo? 🌞 I love serving it with rice and a simple salad—it’s like a mini vacation on a plate. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work well too. They stay juicier during grilling!
Honey: Honey gives the dish its sweetness. If you’re looking for a lower glycemic option, consider using agave nectar or maple syrup instead.
Pineapple Juice: This adds vibrant flavor. If you don’t have pineapple juice, orange juice can be a tasty substitute, giving a different but delightful flavor profile.
Soy Sauce: It provides umami and saltiness. For a gluten-free option, use tamari sauce. Coconut aminos is another good substitute if you’re avoiding soy altogether.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the flavor! If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder and ground ginger can work, though fresh is always best for that vibrant taste.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
To ensure your chicken turns out juicy and flavorful, marinate it for at least an hour. Longer is better! Overnight will let all the flavors soak in deeply. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine honey, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and olive oil in a bowl to make the marinade.
- Pop the chicken into a resealable bag or dish, then pour the marinade over it. Seal or cover, and refrigerate.
- Ensure to let the extra marinade drip off before grilling—this avoids flare-ups on the grill.
Lastly, use a meat thermometer! Cooking the chicken until it reaches 165°F ensures perfection while preventing dryness.
Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Grilling:
- Fresh pineapple slices (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled chicken takes about 15 minutes of prep time. Plus, you’ll want to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for more flavor). Grilling will take around 15-20 minutes. So, overall, you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 9 hours, depending on marinating time. But believe me, it’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, pineapple juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger (if you decided to use it), and olive oil. Make sure everything is well-mixed to create a tasty marinade for your chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the delicious marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s all covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you have time, letting it marinate for up to 8 hours will give you even better flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken and Pineapple:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip back into the bag (discard the leftover marinade!). Season the chicken with a sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides, then place it on the grill. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until it’s fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Grill the Fresh Pineapple:
While your chicken is grilling, cut fresh pineapple into slices. Throw those on the grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re nicely charred and caramelized. Yum!
5. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done grilling, remove it and the grilled pineapple from the grill. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy, then slice it up. Serve your gorgeous grilled chicken with the caramelized pineapple slices resting on top or alongside. Enjoy your scrumptious Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before marinating. The safest way to thaw chicken is in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can submerge the sealed chicken in cold water for a couple of hours until thawed. Pat it dry before adding to the marinade!
What Can I Substitute for Pineapple Juice?
If you don’t have pineapple juice, orange juice or apple juice can be used as a substitute for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, you can blend fresh pineapple with a little water to create your own juice. Just make sure to keep the ratios similar!
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade the night before and marinate the chicken for up to 8 hours for maximum flavor. Just keep it stored in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. The grilled pineapple can also be prepared in advance and served cold or at room temperature!
