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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare outdoor grill or grill pan, heating to medium-high temperature (around 375-400°F). Lightly oil grates to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Simultaneously grill pineapple rings for 2-3 minutes per side, creating caramelized edges and enhancing natural sweetness.
- Transfer grilled chicken and pineapple from heat, allowing chicken to rest 3-5 minutes to redistribute internal juices and maintain moisture.
- 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