Description
Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant and tropical dish that combines juicy grilled chicken with caramelized pineapple slices. This recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that transport you straight to the Hawaiian islands. Ideal for backyard barbecues and weeknight dinners, it is easy to prepare, healthy, and customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pineapple
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into thick rings
Marinade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, lime juice, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes in a bowl until well combined to create a vibrant marinade that will infuse the chicken with sweet and savory flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to soak in deeply and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the Pineapple: While the chicken marinates, peel and core the fresh pineapple. Cut it into thick slices or rings to prevent falling apart on the grill and to allow perfect caramelization.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (about 375°F / 190°C). Clean and oil the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking of the chicken and pineapple during cooking.
- Grill the Chicken and Pineapple: Place the marinated chicken and pineapple slices on the grill. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Grill the pineapple slices for 2–3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the juice caramelizes.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken and pineapple from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices. Slice the chicken and serve topped with warm grilled pineapple rings for a delicious tropical meal.
Notes
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor: Overnight marinating yields the most tender and flavorful chicken.
- Don’t forget to oil the grill to prevent sticking and to achieve perfect sear marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely without drying out.
- Rest the chicken before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
- Brush with reserved marinade as a glaze during grilling but be sure to boil it first to eliminate any raw chicken bacteria.
- If using frozen pineapple, thaw and pat dry thoroughly to avoid sogginess on the grill.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg