Grilled Pineapple Chicken brings the vibrant flavors of the tropics right to your backyard barbecue. This mouthwatering dish combines tender, juicy chicken with the sweet caramelized goodness of grilled pineapple, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet that will transport you straight to a Hawaiian beach. The secret lies in a flavorful marinade that infuses the chicken with tropical notes while keeping it incredibly moist, paired with fresh pineapple slices that develop beautiful grill marks and concentrate their natural sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just want to add some sunshine to your dinner table, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple techniques anyone can master. This recipe serves 4-6 people and takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, including marinating time.
Chicken and Marinade Ingredients
For the perfectly seasoned chicken, you’ll need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Pineapple and Finishing Ingredients
To complete this tropical feast:
- 1 fresh pineapple, cored and cut into ½-inch thick rings
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Preparing the Marinade
Start by creating the flavorful marinade that will make your chicken incredibly tender and delicious. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, honey, and lime juice until well combined. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt, whisking until everything is evenly distributed.
If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking and prevents the outside from drying out before the inside is done. Chicken thighs can be used as-is since they’re naturally more forgiving and stay moist during grilling.
Marinating the Chicken
Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 2-4 hours will give you even better flavor. Don’t marinate longer than 24 hours, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the chicken’s texture.
While the chicken marinates, remove it from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before grilling to let it come closer to room temperature. This helps ensure even cooking on the grill.
Preparing the Pineapple
Cut the fresh pineapple into rings about ½ inch thick, removing the tough core from each slice. You can leave the rings whole or cut them into half-moons if you prefer smaller pieces. Pat the pineapple slices dry with paper towels to remove excess juice.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with the melted butter. This mixture will help the pineapple caramelize beautifully on the grill and develop those gorgeous grill marks that make this dish so visually appealing.
Setting Up Your Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375-400°F. Clean the grill grates thoroughly and brush them with oil to prevent sticking. If using a gas grill, you can create different heat zones by turning some burners to high and others to medium. For charcoal grills, push the coals to one side for direct high heat and leave the other side cooler for indirect cooking.
Grilling the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting if desired, but make sure to boil it first for food safety. Place the chicken on the hottest part of the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes without moving it. This creates beautiful grill marks and helps seal in the juices.
Flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes, depending on thickness. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If the outside is browning too quickly, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking through.
Grilling the Pineapple
While the chicken finishes cooking, brush the pineapple rings with the brown sugar and butter mixture. Place them on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until they develop beautiful caramelized grill marks and the edges start to soften. The natural sugars will caramelize, creating an incredibly sweet and slightly smoky flavor.
Be careful not to overcook the pineapple – you want it to be tender but still hold its shape. The goal is to concentrate the sweetness while adding that distinctive grilled flavor.
Bringing It All Together
Once both the chicken and pineapple are done, remove them from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Slice the chicken against the grain into strips and arrange on a platter with the grilled pineapple rings. Sprinkle the chopped green onions and fresh cilantro over everything for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Grilled Pineapple Chicken pairs beautifully with coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra citrus punch. The combination works wonderfully in tacos, over rice bowls, or even chopped up in a tropical-inspired salad.
For drinks, consider serving with iced tea, tropical fruit punch, or for adults, a cold beer or fruity cocktail that complements the island flavors.
Storage and Meal Prep
Leftover Grilled Pineapple Chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s delicious served cold in salads or reheated gently in the microwave. The flavors actually develop and meld even more after a day, making this an excellent meal prep option.
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead of time, and the pineapple can be prepped and stored in the refrigerator for several hours before grilling.
This Grilled Pineapple Chicken recipe captures everything wonderful about tropical cuisine – bright, fresh flavors that make you feel like you’re dining in paradise. The combination of the savory, slightly smoky chicken with the sweet, caramelized pineapple creates a perfect harmony that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s proof that sometimes the most memorable meals come from the simplest combinations of quality ingredients and straightforward techniques.
