This Easy Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is a crowd-pleaser! With sweet honey and juicy pineapple, it adds a tropical twist to your dinner. Perfect for summer barbecues!
No one can resist the delicious glaze that caramelizes on the chicken. I usually serve it with a side of rice and a big smile! 😄 It’s so simple that I make it every week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work well too! They stay juicy and flavorful.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a bright flavor. Canned rings are a handy alternative. Just make sure they’re packed in juice, not syrup, for a more natural taste.
Honey: Honey gives a lovely sweetness. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar can work, but the flavor will change a bit.
Soy Sauce: You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a great gluten-free option that also tastes delicious!
Smoked Paprika: It adds a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can provide some warmth instead.
How Do I Marinate the Chicken Properly?
Marinating is key to keeping your chicken juicy and full of flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- After blending your marinade, ensure the chicken is fully coated. A plastic zip bag is perfect for mixing and marinating!
- Seal it tightly and refrigerate. The longer it sits, the better—it can be done overnight if you plan ahead!
- Don’t forget to reserve some marinade to brush on while grilling; it adds extra flavor without the risk of undercooking.
Remember, never reuse marinade that’s touched raw chicken unless it’s cooked first!
Easy Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple slices (or canned pineapple rings), plus extra for grilling
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour (ideally 2-3 hours) to marinate. Grilling will take around 15 minutes, so you can have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes of cooking time after marinating!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a blender or food processor, blend together the pineapple slices, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, vinegar, black pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results, let it marinate for 2-3 hours to soak up all those yummy flavors.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade, reserving the excess marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and to have nice grill marks.
5. Grill the Pineapple:
As the chicken grills, it’s time to add some extra pineapple slices to the grill! Grill the pineapple for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re caramelized and slightly charred. This adds a fantastic sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chicken!
6. Glaze the Chicken:
In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the reserved marinade onto the chicken for a delicious glaze. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
7. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the chicken and grilled pineapple from the grill. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish your delicious Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken with chopped green onions and serve it alongside those caramelized pineapple slices. Enjoy the sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors!
FAQ for Easy Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely antes marinating! You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or run it under cold water in a sealed bag until thawed.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 1 hour to up to 24 hours! The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Just remember to refrigerate it during the marinating process.
What Other Vegetables Can I Grill Alongside the Chicken?
Great question! Bell peppers, zucchini, and corn on the cob grill beautifully alongside the chicken. Just slice them into similar thicknesses and toss them briefly in olive oil and salt for a tasty addition!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also enjoy it cold in salads for an easy lunch!
