Simple Grilled Pineapple Chicken Recipe

A summertime go-to, this recipe for healthy grilled pineapple chicken thighs uses a simple pineapple marinade and fresh ingredients. You'll be sure to make a good impression on guests with this scrumptious grilled chicken! Chicken breast gets a tropical twist with this terrific pineapple marinade.

The acidity from the pineapple not only tenderizes the chicken while grilling but also works to caramelize it. The savory taste of the chicken marinade in this dish is reminiscent of Hawaiian BBQ sauce, only much cleaner and tastier!

INGREDIENTS GRILLED PINEAPPLE CHICKEN

  • 1 c. unsweetened pineapple juice
  • 3/4 c. ketchup
  • 1/2 c. low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 c. brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp. freshly minced ginger
  • 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp. vegetable oil, plus more for grill
  • 1 pineapple, sliced into rings & halved
  • Thinly sliced green onions, for garnish


INSTRUCTIONS FOR GRILLED PINEAPPLE CHICKEN

  • Combine pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and ginger in a large bowl until mixed together.
  • In a large resealable plastic bag, pour in the marinade of your choice and add chicken. Let it sit for at least 2 hours or overnight so that the flavors can seep in.
  • Set the grill to high heat when you're ready to cook. Coat the grates with oil, then place the chicken on the grill. Baste it with marinade as it chars and cooks, flipping once every 8 minutes.
  • Cook pineapple for 2 minutes on each side, or until there are dark grill marks.
  • Garnish your chicken and pineapple dish with green onion slices before serving to your guests.


Tips for Grilled Pineapple Chicken
Here are some tips for making a mouth-watering grilled pineapple chicken:

  • Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken before grilling it not only imparts flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. A mix of pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey makes for a great marinade.
  • Grill the Pineapple: Grilling the pineapple slices caramelizes the sugars and adds a smoky flavor that complements the chicken wonderfully. Make sure your grill is hot before adding the pineapple to get nice grill marks.
  • Don't Overcook the Chicken: Chicken can become dry if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken breasts' internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Let the Chicken Rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.
  • Serve with Sauce: You can make a special sauce by mixing the marinade or pineapple juice and BBQ sauce together. This will give your food an extra taste.
  • Pair with Right Sides: Serve your grilled pineapple chicken with something to go with it, like coconut rice or a salad. This will make the meal feel tropical.

Remember, grilling is an art, so don't be afraid to experiment and adjust based on your taste preferences!

Side dishes best served with Grilled Pineapple Chicken
Based on the search results, the best side dishes to serve with Grilled Pineapple Chicken are:

  • Coconut Rice: This dish is often paired with Hawaiian chicken, and its sweet and creamy flavor would complement the tanginess of the pineapple.
  • Grilled Pineapple: Grilling pineapple enhances its sweetness and adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with grilled chicken.
  • Steamed Vegetables: A mix of your favorite veggies, like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas, can provide a healthy and colorful side dish.
  • Macaroni Salad: This classic side dish brings a creamy texture and rich flavor that balances the grilled chicken well.
  • Hawaiian Fried Rice: This dish, often made with pineapple chunks and ham, would pair beautifully with the chicken for a full Hawaiian-themed meal.
  • Tropical Fruit Salad: Combining pineapple and papaya chunks or other tropical fruits can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
  • Hawaiian Baked Beans: These beans, often sweetened with pineapple, would make a hearty and flavorful side dish.
  • Hawaiian Coleslaw: A coleslaw made with pineapple juice in the dressing could complement the grilled pineapple chicken nicely.

Remember, the best side dishes depend on personal preference, so feel free to experiment and find what works best for you!

Alternative for Pineapples in Grilled Pineapple Chicken
If you don't want to use pineapples in your grilled chicken recipe, try these other fruits instead. They will give your dish the same sweetness and acidity. Here are some ideas:

  • Peaches: Grilled peaches can offer a similar sweet and tangy flavor profile to pineapples. They also caramelize nicely on the grill.
  • Mangoes: Mangoes are tropical like pineapples and have a unique sweet and slightly tart flavor that can pair well with grilled chicken.
  • Oranges: Oranges can provide a citrusy sweetness, which can be a nice change from the usual pineapple flavor.
  • Apples: Grilled apples can bring a sweet and slightly tart flavor to the chicken. Choose a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
  • Nectarines or Apricots: These fruits are smaller but provide a sweet and slightly tart flavor similar to pineapples.

Remember, while these fruits can replace the flavor of pineapples, they may alter the taste of your dish. Feel free to experiment with different fruits to find what works best for you.
Outdoor Kitchen Outlet
If you're looking for the perfect way to cook Grilled Pineapple Chicken, Outdoor Kitchen Outlet has just what you need! Our grills ensure that your chicken is cooked evenly and perfectly while infusing it with a delicious flavor. So don't wait - check out Outdoor Kitchen Outlet for all of your grilling needs today!  Visit us online or call (888) 667-4986!

Back to Recipes

Share this