Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

This honey pineapple grilled chicken transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible sweet and savory dinner that's perfect for summer evenings. The tropical marinade creates juicy, flavorful chicken with beautiful caramelization that looks as impressive as it tastes.

I created this recipe after a memorable trip to Hawaii where I fell in love with their grilled meats. The combination of honey and pineapple has since become my go to marinade when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: choose pieces of even thickness for consistent cooking
• Pineapple juice: provides natural tenderizing enzymes and tropical sweetness
• Honey: creates beautiful caramelization and balances the savory elements
• Soy sauce: adds umami depth and helps with browning
• Olive oil: helps transfer flavors and prevents sticking
• Fresh garlic: provides aromatic depth that dried simply cannot match
• Lime juice: brightens all the flavors with gentle acidity
• Ground ginger: adds a warming spice note that complements the pineapple perfectly
• Salt and pepper: enhances all other flavors in the dish
• Fresh cilantro: optional but adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:

Whisk together pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, ginger, salt, and pepper until fully combined. The honey might be thick at first, but keep whisking until it fully incorporates with the other liquids. This marriage of ingredients creates a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

Marinate the Chicken:

Place your chicken breasts in a zip top bag or shallow container and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least one hour, though I find that 3 4 hours gives the best flavor without making the chicken too soft from the pineapple enzymes. Turn the chicken occasionally if possible to ensure even flavor distribution.

Preheat and Prepare Grill:

Heat your grill to medium high heat about 375 400°F. Take time to thoroughly clean the grates and oil them well this prevents sticking and helps create those beautiful grill marks. I use tongs to hold a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to rub the grates.

Grill the Chicken:

Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Place chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 6 8 minutes per side. Look for nice grill marks and an internal temperature of 165°F. The natural sugars in the honey and pineapple will caramelize beautifully, so watch carefully to prevent burning.

Rest and Serve:

Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean plate and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum juiciness. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired for a pop of color and herbaceous flavor.

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The first time I served this chicken at a backyard gathering, my neighbor insisted I give her the recipe immediately. The secret is in the balance of the marinade the pineapple tenderizes while the honey creates that irresistible caramelized exterior that makes everyone think you've been cooking all day.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

This chicken shines when served alongside coconut rice, which complements the tropical flavors beautifully. Simply substitute half the water with coconut milk when cooking your rice and add a pinch of salt. The creamy rice becomes the perfect canvas for soaking up the flavorful chicken juices.

Make Ahead Strategy

You can prepare the marinade up to three days in advance and keep it refrigerated in a sealed container. The chicken can marinate overnight for a deeper flavor profile, though I recommend not exceeding 8 hours as the pineapple enzymes can start to break down the meat texture too much, resulting in mushy chicken.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your chicken pieces vary in thickness, consider pounding them to an even thickness before marinating. This ensures they cook at the same rate and prevents dry overcooked spots. If you notice the outside browning too quickly on the grill, move the chicken to a cooler zone to finish cooking through without burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but for deeper flavor, you can marinate it up to 4 hours. Avoid marinating longer as the acidity can break down the chicken too much.

→ What can I serve with honey pineapple grilled chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a light tropical salad for a balanced and refreshing meal.

→ Can I cook this indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop or bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).

→ How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Lightly oil the grill grates before cooking and ensure the grill is fully preheated. Avoid flipping the chicken too soon to prevent sticking.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well in this recipe and tend to stay moist and flavorful. Adjust cook times as needed to ensure they reach 165°F.

→ Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This can save time when you’re ready to cook.