This honey pineapple grilled chicken is a sweet and tasty way to enjoy dinner! The chicken is marinated in a mix of honey and pineapple, giving it a deliciously tropical flavor.
I love how easy it is to throw this on the grill. Just imagine the juicy goodness! Perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight meal with friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Thin strips of chicken breasts work well for quick grilling. You can swap them for thighs if you prefer juicier meat, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be mindful of cooking times!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and glaze. If you need a substitute, try maple syrup or agave nectar, but keep the flavor balance in mind. I think honey provides the best taste and texture!
Pineapple Juice: This gives a tropical flavor. You can use fresh pineapple juice or canned. If you don’t have any, orange juice is a decent alternative, offering a different but nice citrus note.
Soy Sauce: It contributes saltiness and umami. For a gluten-free version, use tamari; if you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos are a great substitute.
Garlic and Ginger: Both add depth and freshness. If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger can work in a pinch, but the flavor is milder. And feel free to use garlic powder instead of fresh cloves if needed!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but a few simple tips will help you get it right. First, you want to ensure your chicken is marinated long enough to absorb flavors. Ideally, let it sit for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better!
- Preheat your grill to medium-high (375-400°F) for even cooking.
- Remove excess marinade so the chicken grills nicely without burning. Save some for basting!
- Grill each side for 4-5 minutes—look for clear juices running when it’s done, or use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling. This helps retain juices for better flavor and texture.
With these simple steps, you’ll have juicy and flavorful grilled chicken every time! Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade and Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Grilling:
- Fresh pineapple slices for grilling (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation, plus at least 1 hour for marinating (4 hours is best if you can wait!). Grilling should take around 15-20 minutes. So, plan for a total of about 1 hour and 30 minutes if you include the marinating time. Get ready for a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, pineapple juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). This mixture will be the flavorful marinade for your chicken.
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Place the sliced chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or ideally 4 hours. This step helps to make the chicken really flavorful!
3. Prepping to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is around 375-400°F. While the grill is heating, take the chicken out of the marinade. Make sure to let the excess marinade drip off, but don’t throw it away just yet—reserve it for basting later!
4. Grilling the Chicken:
Place the chicken strips on the grill. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have beautiful grill marks. While grilling, use the reserved marinade to baste the chicken for extra flavor!
5. (Optional) Grilling Pineapple:
If you’re using fresh pineapple slices, add them to the grill during the last few minutes of cooking. Let them cook until they are caramelized and have grill marks for an extra sweet treat!
6. Serving:
Once the chicken is cooked and the pineapple is grilled, remove them from the grill. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. If you like, you can garnish it with fresh cilantro or parsley for a nice touch. Serve your delicious grilled chicken with the sweet grilled pineapple slices and enjoy!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Boneless Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will work wonderfully for this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just ensure they are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, and adjust grilling time to about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
What if I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
No worries! You can substitute pineapple juice with orange juice for a different flavor or even use a mix of apple juice and a little lemon juice to mimic the sweetness and acidity. Just keep the proportions the same for best results!
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing. To reheat, you can either warm it in the microwave or quickly in a skillet over low heat, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
Can I Add More Spice to the Marinade?
Definitely! If you like it spicy, feel free to double the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the marinade. For even more depth, try adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper!
