Grilled Pineapple Chicken

The sweet and smoky flavor combination of grilled pineapple and chicken is nothing short of magic. As the pineapple caramelizes on the grill, its natural sugars intensify, creating a delightful contrast with the savory, slightly charred chicken. The burst of sweetness from the juicy pineapple, with a hint of tang from its acidity, melds perfectly with the tender, succulent chicken. It’s a flavor profile that’s simple yet vibrant, making each bite a little celebration of summer. I love how the pineapple slices turn slightly crispy at the edges, adding an unexpected crunch and extra layer of depth to the dish. You’ll notice the subtle smokiness from the grill enhances the sweetness, making the whole meal feel like a tropical escape right in your own backyard. This dish also does wonders on a busy weeknight, as it pairs wonderfully with rice, salads, or even a quick side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal. It’s the kind of recipe that will have your family asking for seconds, and maybe even thirds!

Key Ingredients in Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in bringing out those bold, delicious flavors. From the savory chicken to the sweet, tangy pineapple glaze, they all work together to create the perfect balance of tastes. Here’s a closer look at the key players:

* Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

The star of the dish, chicken breasts provide a lean and tender base that soaks up all the delicious flavors from the pineapple and seasonings. Their mild flavor makes them a perfect canvas for the sweet and smoky profile.

* Olive oil

A light coating of olive oil helps keep the chicken moist while grilling, preventing it from drying out. It also adds a subtle richness that enhances the overall flavor.

* Garlic powder

Garlic powder adds a warm, savory depth to the chicken, complementing the sweetness of the pineapple without overpowering it. It’s an easy way to get that garlicky goodness without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.

* Onion powder

Similar to garlic powder, onion powder contributes a gentle, savory flavor that rounds out the seasoning blend. It adds a mild sweetness to balance the tanginess of the pineapple.

* Paprika

Paprika brings a smoky flavor to the table, elevating the grilled taste of the chicken. It also adds a beautiful color to the dish, giving it a warm, inviting appearance.

* Salt

Salt is essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish, from the sweetness of the pineapple to the savory chicken. It helps to pull all the tastes together and makes everything pop.

* Black pepper

Black pepper adds a little kick to the dish, balancing out the sweetness of the pineapple and honey with its mild heat and depth.

* Fresh pineapple, chopped

Pineapple is the heart and soul of this recipe. It brings a bright, juicy sweetness to the dish, and when grilled, it caramelizes, adding a smoky richness that pairs perfectly with the chicken.

* Honey

Honey not only enhances the sweetness of the pineapple but also gives the glaze a silky smooth texture. It helps create that beautiful caramelized coating when grilled.

* Lime juice

A burst of lime juice brings a refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness of the chicken and honey, balancing out the sweetness with a zesty tang.

* Soy sauce

Soy sauce adds a hint of umami, deepening the flavor profile of the dish. It also helps tenderize the chicken, making it extra juicy and flavorful.

* Fresh cilantro, chopped

Fresh cilantro brings a burst of freshness to the dish. Its bright, herbaceous flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweet, smoky pineapple and savory chicken, creating a refreshing finish.

Each of these ingredients plays a key role in crafting the perfect grilled pineapple chicken—bringing together the right balance of sweet, savory, smoky, and tangy flavors.

How to Make Grilled Pineapple Chicken

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. This will create the perfect cooking surface for your chicken.

2. While the grill is heating, take the chicken breasts and place them on a clean cutting board.

3. Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat or gristle from the chicken breasts, ensuring they are boneless and skinless. This ensures your chicken will be tender and juicy without any tough or fatty bits.

4. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

1. Stir the ingredients together until well mixed, creating a simple seasoning mixture. This seasoning blend will enhance the chicken’s flavor without overpowering the sweetness of the pineapple.

6. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully coated. Don’t be afraid to massage it in so the flavors soak into the chicken.

7. Set the seasoned chicken aside and allow it to marinate for at least 5 minutes while you prepare the pineapple glaze. This short rest time will help the flavors meld.

8. Chop the fresh pineapple into small chunks, ensuring they are bite-sized for easy cooking. You want pieces that are small enough to grill evenly but still big enough to have that juicy pineapple burst.

9. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pineapple, honey, lime juice, soy sauce, and fresh cilantro.

10. Mix the pineapple, honey, lime juice, soy sauce, and cilantro together until the honey is well incorporated into the other ingredients. The honey will add a touch of sweetness that complements the tangy lime and savory soy sauce.

11. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill.

12. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, checking for internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken should have nice grill marks, and it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

13. While the chicken is grilling, transfer the pineapple glaze mixture to a small saucepan over medium heat.

14. Bring the pineapple glaze to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly. This will give the glaze that perfect sticky consistency.

15. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and place it on a clean plate. Let it rest for a minute or two before serving.

16. Brush the grilled chicken breasts with a generous amount of the pineapple glaze. Don’t be shy—get that glaze all over for maximum flavor.

17. Serve the grilled chicken with additional glaze on the side, if desired. This way, everyone can dip their chicken into even more of that delicious pineapple glaze.

18. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. It adds a fresh, herby kick that really makes the dish pop.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Pineapple Chicken

– Serve with coconut rice

The creamy, slightly sweet flavor of coconut rice pairs beautifully with the grilled pineapple chicken. The coconut milk adds richness, while the subtle sweetness complements the tangy glaze perfectly. It’s like a tropical vacation on your plate!

– Pair with a fresh salad

A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, smoky chicken. Think mixed greens with a citrus dressing, or even a slaw with a touch of lime and cilantro for that extra zing. This adds a bright, crunchy element to the meal that keeps everything balanced.

– Grilled vegetables on the side

For a complete meal, serve the chicken alongside grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. The smokiness from the grill enhances the flavors of the veggies, making them the perfect companion to the sweet and savory chicken. Plus, they add a pop of color to your plate!

Each of these sides will elevate your grilled pineapple chicken to the next level, turning it into a meal that’s both satisfying and full of vibrant flavors.

How to Store Grilled Pineapple Chicken

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), here are some easy ways to store your grilled pineapple chicken so it stays fresh and flavorful for later.

– In the refrigerator

Let the chicken cool down to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. Stored this way, your grilled pineapple chicken will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Make sure the glaze is stored separately if you want to keep the chicken from getting soggy. You can always reheat it on the grill or in a skillet to bring back some of that crispy texture.

– In the freezer

For longer storage, freeze the chicken and pineapple glaze. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the grill or stovetop.

– In individual portions

If you’re planning to pack the chicken for lunches or quick meals, try storing it in individual portions. This makes reheating super easy, and you can enjoy it straight from the fridge or microwave without having to fuss over serving sizes.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Grilled pineapple chicken is a dish that’s bursting with flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a weekend BBQ. The smoky, sweet, and tangy elements come together in the most delicious way, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that feels like a special treat. The beauty of this dish is its versatility—you can serve it with coconut rice, a light salad, or grilled veggies, depending on what you’re in the mood for. And don’t forget about those juicy pineapple chunks—they really steal the show!

I’d love to hear how it turns out for you if you decide to try it! Have any questions or comments? Or maybe some feedback on how you made the recipe your own? Let me know! I’m always excited to hear about your cooking adventures.

Print Recipe

Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 12 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 32 mins

Calories: 350

Description

Tender, juicy chicken grilled to perfection, kissed by smoky char and complemented by sweet, caramelized pineapple slices. The tangy-sweet glaze and savory notes create a mouthwatering balance of tropical goodness with every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped

• ¹⁄₄ cup honey

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
2. While the grill is heating, take the chicken breasts and place them on a clean cutting board.
3. Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat or gristle from the chicken breasts, ensuring they are boneless and skinless.
4. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Stir the ingredients together until well mixed, creating a simple seasoning mixture.
6. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully coated.
7. Set the seasoned chicken aside and allow it to marinate for at least 5 minutes while you prepare the pineapple glaze.
8. Chop the fresh pineapple into small chunks, ensuring they are bite-sized for easy cooking.
9. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pineapple, honey, lime juice, soy sauce, and fresh cilantro.
10. Mix the pineapple, honey, lime juice, soy sauce, and cilantro together until the honey is well incorporated into the other ingredients.
11. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill.
12. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, checking for internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
13. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
14. While the chicken is grilling, transfer the pineapple glaze mixture to a small saucepan over medium heat.
15. Bring the pineapple glaze to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
16. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and place it on a clean plate.
17. Brush the grilled chicken breasts with a generous amount of the pineapple glaze.
18. Serve the grilled chicken with additional glaze on the side, if desired.
19. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

Note

• For a smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of chipotle powder to the seasoning mixture.
• Ensure your grill is properly preheated for the best sear on the chicken.
• To save time, you can prepare the pineapple glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it.
• For a sweeter glaze, add more honey to taste.
• Serve with rice or a fresh salad to balance the sweetness of the dish.

Keywords: grilled pineapple chicken recipe, easy grilled chicken with pineapple, tropical grilled chicken recipe, pineapple chicken marinade, healthy grilled chicken with pineapple