Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Recipe By:

jesseca

Posted:

March 25, 2025

Updated:

March 25, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

Grilled Pineapple Chicken is one of those meals that evokes memories of summer barbecues, family gatherings, and delightful flavors. Imagine juicy chicken, marinated to perfection, grilled until it’s bursting with flavor, paired with succulent, caramelized pineapple. It’s a dish that brings sunshine to your plate, regardless of the season. For many home cooks, this recipe is not just about the food; it’s about connection, sharing stories, and savoring delicious moments with loved ones. The sweetness of the pineapple balances beautifully with the savory chicken, making for a dish that is easy to prepare and hard to resist. You’ll find each bite is a sweet, savory wonder. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight yet impressive for gathering friends around the grill. So, if you’re ready to bring some tropical flair to your dinner table, let’s get into how to make this mouthwatering Grilled Pineapple Chicken!

Jump to:

Ingredients for Grilled Pineapple Chicken
Marinating the Chicken
Preparing the Pineapple
Grilling the Chicken and Pineapple
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Pineapple Chicken
Storing Leftovers
Why You’ll Love Grilled Pineapple Chicken
Conclusion
More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
📖 Recipe Card

Ingredients for Grilled Pineapple Chicken

To create the magic of Grilled Pineapple Chicken, we need to gather a few essential ingredients. Most of these items are likely already in your kitchen, making it super easy for you to get started. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Marinade:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon pepper
For the Grilled Pineapple:
1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into thick slices
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Garnish:
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges

These ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of flavors. The marinade infuses the chicken with savory and sweet notes, while grilled pineapple adds a delightful twist.

Marinating the Chicken

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s focus on marinating the chicken. This step is crucial as it enhances the chicken’s flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to do it:

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and pepper. This mixture will coat your chicken and will add a delicious flavor.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can leave it for up to 4 hours, you’ll get even better results.
Start the Grill: While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature is perfect for creating those lovely grill marks and ensuring everything cooks evenly.

As your chicken marinates, a magical thing happens—the flavors build up. This waiting period is worth it because it transforms your dish into something extraordinary.

Preparing the Pineapple

While we’re waiting, let’s prepare the grilled pineapple. This step is quick and brings a new dimension to the dish. Follow these simple instructions:

Slice the Pineapple: Start with a ripe pineapple. Cut it into thick slices, about an inch thick. The thickness helps prevent it from falling apart on the grill.
Add Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over each slice of pineapple. This simple addition elevates the natural sweetness when grilled.

The caramelization creates a beautiful contrast to the savory chicken that you’ll be grilling. Plus, grilled pineapple is a great treat on its own!

Grilling the Chicken and Pineapple

Now that everything is prepared, it’s time to fire up that grill! Here’s how to achieve the perfect grilled chicken and pineapple:

Grill the Chicken: Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Place it on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use tongs to flip the chicken to avoid piercing it, which can cause juices to escape.
Add Pineapple: After flipping the chicken for the second time, place pineapple slices on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for those beautiful grill marks and a slight caramelization.
Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and the pineapple is warm and tender. This duo of grilled chicken and pineapple will produce an aroma that’s nothing short of mouthwatering.

As you grill, the magic happens—juicy chicken mingles with sweet, caramelized pineapple, creating a winning combination.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Once everything is off the grill, it’s time to serve this delightful dish. Here are some fun ideas to elevate your Grilled Pineapple Chicken experience:

Plating: Serve your chicken on a large plate, topped with the grilled pineapple slices. Everyone loves a beautiful presentation!
Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and a fresh flavor that balances nicely with the grilled items.
Side Dishes: Consider pairing your dish with coconut rice, a vibrant corn salad, or grilled veggies. Each of these options complements the sweet and savory flavors wonderfully.
Garnish with Lime: A squeeze of lime over the chicken and pineapple right before serving adds a refreshing zing. It’s the perfect finishing touch.

With these finishing touches, you’ll create a meal that’s not just delicious but also looks amazing on the table, ready to impress your guests!

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t fret! Grilled Pineapple Chicken makes for delicious next-day meals. Here’s how to store it:

Cool Completely: Allow the chicken and pineapple to cool to room temperature before storing them.
Store in Airtight Containers: Place them in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh and prevents flavors from mingling unnecessarily.
Refrigerate: Store them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for about 3-4 days.
Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If you want to revive that grilled flavor, a quick sear on a hot skillet works wonders!

Grilled Pineapple Chicken is truly versatile, making it easy to fit into busy lives.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Not only is this dish bursting with flavor, but it also carries a sense of nostalgia. Each bite reminds you of summer, backyard barbecues, and cherished moments around the table. Here are some compelling reasons you’ll fall in love with it:

Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can master this recipe.
Versatile Dish: Add various spices or cook it differently to keep things exciting.
Healthy Option: Chicken and pineapple provide protein and nutrients, making this a balanced meal when paired with veggies or whole grains.
Crowd-Pleaser: Guests and family alike will enjoy the unique combination of flavors. It’s a hit for gatherings or casual dinners.

Grilled Pineapple Chicken isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create memories and share delightful meals with those you love.

Conclusion

In wrapping up our culinary journey, Grilled Pineapple Chicken is a fun and flavorful recipe that captures the heart of summer dining. The sweetness of caramelized pineapple perfectly enriches the juicy chicken, making it a dish worth sharing. Whether you’re lightening up your dinner routine or looking to impress, this recipe hits the spot. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and bring the taste of summer to your table tonight!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.