This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is a sweet and tangy delight! The juicy chicken breasts are grilled to perfection and brushed with a tasty honey-pineapple glaze that makes your taste buds sing.
Perfect for a sunny day BBQ, I love pairing this dish with rice or grilled veggies. It’s like a tropical vacation on my plate! 🌴🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish due to their quick cooking time and mild flavor. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for more juiciness or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and depth. If you’re avoiding sugar, try using maple syrup or agave nectar. I personally like to use local honey for a unique flavor and supporting local bees!
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice is best for a vibrant taste. But if it’s not available, canned juice works well too—just check for added sugars. You could also blend fresh pineapple to make juice in a pinch!
Soy Sauce: This gives a salty, umami kick. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos. I find that lower-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness without losing flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice bit of acidity to balance the sweetness. You can swap it with rice vinegar or white wine vinegar based on what’s in your pantry.
How Do I Grill Chicken Without It Sticking to the Grill?
Grilling can be tricky when it comes to sticking. Here are some easy tips to keep your chicken intact:
- Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps chicken to sear quickly and prevents sticking.
- Brush the grill grates with olive oil before adding chicken. This creates a non-stick surface.
- Avoid moving the chicken too soon; let it cook for about 6-8 minutes before flipping. When it’s ready, it will release easily from the grill.
Following these tips, your chicken will come off the grill beautifully browned and ready to enjoy! Have fun with your grilling!
How to Make Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup fresh pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
- Pineapple slices (optional, for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus a minimum of 1 hour to marinate the chicken (up to 8 hours for more flavor). After marinating, grilling will take around 15-20 minutes. So, plan for at least 1 hour and 10 minutes total, or up to 8 hours if you let the chicken marinate longer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine honey, fresh pineapple juice, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This will be your delicious marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Ensure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and put it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, 8 hours will really enhance the flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. To keep the chicken from sticking, brush the grill grates with a little olive oil using a paper towel or brush.
4. Get Cooking:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and let the excess marinade drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and let it cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side. You want to aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’re adding pineapple slices, grill those for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they get nice grill marks and caramelize a bit.
5. Let It Rest:
Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the grill. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices in and makes for a tender chicken.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the grilled chicken and serve it with the grilled pineapple slices if you decided to add them. Enjoy your flavorful honey pineapple grilled chicken with family and friends!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that bone-in chicken may require a longer cooking time. Aim for about 10-12 minutes per side, and always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, maple syrup works well and will provide a similar sweetness. You can also use agave nectar, but start with a little less, as it’s sweeter than honey. Adjust according to your taste preference!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to wrap it tightly and consume within 2-3 months for the best quality.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor. Just make sure to keep it in the refrigerator and use a glass or non-reactive container to maintain freshness. Enjoy the deeper flavor in every bite!
