Zesty Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken Recipe For Summer Fun

Juicy chicken breasts marinated in a sweet honey pineapple glaze promise a tropical twist on your dinner plate.

Summer evenings call for vibrant flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Bright ingredients blend together, creating a harmonious symphony of tangy and sweet notes.

Succulent meat absorbs the marinade’s rich complexity, ensuring each bite bursts with incredible depth.

Grilling transforms simple chicken into a culinary adventure that feels like a mini vacation.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this delightful recipe that connects you to fresh, bold ingredients.

Fire up the grill and treat yourself to a mouthwatering meal that will become an instant favorite.

Why Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken Is So Tasty

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Marinate chicken in a sweet-tangy blend of pineapple juice, honey, and soy sauce, creating layers of delicious taste that transform ordinary chicken into a gourmet experience.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Grill everything on one surface, minimizing kitchen cleanup and reducing cooking steps while delivering a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.
• Make Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, and family dinners, this recipe appeals to both adults and kids with its balanced sweet and savory profile.
• Maximize Nutrition Potential: Lean chicken combined with grilled pineapple provides protein, vitamins, and a low-calorie option that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Ingredients for Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, providing a lean and tender base for the flavorful marinade.

• Pineapple Juice, Honey: Create a sweet and tangy base that tenderizes and adds depth to the chicken.
• Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar: Enhance the marinade with umami and bright acidic notes.
• Minced Garlic, Ground Ginger: Bring aromatic and zesty flavors to the marinade.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill grates.
• Pineapple Rings: Add a sweet, caramelized element and provide a tropical twist to the dish.
• Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (Optional): Offer a fresh, herbaceous garnish to brighten the final presentation.

Cooking Instructions for Honey Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Create Tangy Marinade

• Pineapple juice
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Ground ginger
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 2: Soak Chicken in Flavor

Place chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece gets completely coated. Seal the container and refrigerate. Let the chicken absorb those delicious flavors for 1-4 hours.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Prepare your grill by heating it to medium-high temperature. Lightly brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade and discard the remaining liquid. Place chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should look golden and have perfect char lines.

Step 5: Caramelize Pineapple Rings

While the chicken cooks, toss pineapple rings onto the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop gorgeous caramelized marks and get slightly heated through.

Step 6: Allow Chicken to Rest

Transfer grilled chicken and pineapple off the heat. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to help retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Slice the chicken and arrange on plates. Top with grilled pineapple rings. Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

• Boost Marinade Flavor: Let chicken soak in marinade for 4 hours to maximize taste absorption and tenderness.
• Prevent Chicken Dryness: Use meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring juicy chicken without overcooking.
• Enhance Grilling Performance: Clean and oil grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and create perfect grill marks.
• Balance Sweet and Savory: Grill pineapple alongside chicken to complement the honey marinade and add caramelized texture.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Prepare marinade ahead of time and store in refrigerator for faster weeknight dinner preparation.

Flavor Twists for Honey Pineapple Chicken

• Citrus Zest Chicken: Replace honey with orange marmalade and add lemon zest for a bright, tangy flavor profile that enhances the grilled chicken.
• Low-Sodium Option: Swap soy sauce with coconut aminos, reduce salt, and use low-sodium pineapple juice to create a heart-healthy version of the recipe.
• Spicy Island Chicken: Mix in sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade, creating a hot and sweet combination that brings Caribbean-inspired heat to the dish.
• Herb-Infused Grilled Chicken: Add fresh rosemary and thyme to the marinade, introducing earthy Mediterranean herbs that complement the sweet pineapple notes.

Pairing Suggestions for Honey Pineapple Chicken

• Pair Sweet Riesling: Select a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling wine that complements the honey and pineapple notes in the chicken, balancing the dish's tropical and tangy flavors.
• Serve Coconut Rice: Create a creamy coconut rice side dish that echoes the tropical profile of the grilled chicken, adding a smooth texture and complementary island-inspired taste.
• Add Fresh Mango Salsa: Prepare a zesty mango salsa with diced red onion, cilantro, and lime juice to brighten the chicken's sweetness and provide a fresh, vibrant accompaniment.
• Recommend Tropical Mocktail: Mix a refreshing pineapple-ginger mocktail with sparkling water, fresh pineapple juice, and a hint of ginger, offering a non-alcoholic beverage that mirrors the dish's tropical essence.

Best Way to Store Honey Pineapple Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the temperature stays below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel.

FAQs About Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs. They’re often more flavorful and juicy, and will work great with this marinade.

• Do I need to remove the chicken skin before marinating?

If using chicken with skin, you can leave it on. The skin helps lock in moisture and adds extra flavor during grilling.

• Is there a way to make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until it reaches 165°F internal temperature.

• Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Yes, you can make the marinade up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it.

Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey pineapple grilled chicken brings tropical paradise right to dinner tables with its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Juicy marinated chicken caramelizes beautifully, promising a delightful meal that will transport taste buds to sunny Hawaiian landscapes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 fresh pineapple rings
• 1 cup fresh pineapple juice

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Submerge chicken breasts in the marinade within a sealed container or plastic bag, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 1-4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Prepare outdoor grill or grill pan, heating to medium-high temperature (around 375-400°F). Lightly oil grates to prevent sticking.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding remaining liquid. Place chicken on hot grill, cooking approximately 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, with beautiful golden-brown grill marks.
5. Simultaneously grill pineapple rings for 2-3 minutes per side, creating caramelized edges and enhancing natural sweetness.
6. Transfer grilled chicken and pineapple from heat, allowing chicken to rest 3-5 minutes to redistribute internal juices and maintain moisture.
7. Plate by arranging grilled chicken and topped with charred pineapple rings. Optional: garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added brightness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Enhance marinade absorption by scoring chicken breasts lightly with shallow cuts, allowing deeper flavor penetration.
• For gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain authentic taste profile.
• Consider using a meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness and prevent overcooking, which can dry out chicken.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like tofu or tempeh for vegetarian-friendly adaptation while maintaining similar marinade technique.

• Prep Time: 4 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg