This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is a tasty twist on a classic dish! The chicken is juicy and sweet, topped with a delicious glaze made from honey and pineapple juice that everyone will love.
Trust me, the sweet glaze makes the chicken so irresistible, and it pairs perfectly with your favorite sides. I like to serve mine with rice or a fresh salad. Yum! 🍍🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe. They stay juicy and cook evenly. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work perfectly as well!
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice gives the best flavor. If you use canned juice, make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugars to keep it healthy and tasty. You could also substitute with orange juice for a different sweet twist.
Honey: I love using raw honey for its rich flavor and health benefits. If you’re vegan, agave syrup or maple syrup are great alternatives that will still provide that sweet glaze.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds a nice salty flavor. If you’re avoiding gluten, try tamari or coconut aminos as a great substitute. Both offer similar flavors without gluten.
Fresh Ginger: Grated fresh ginger enhances the sweetness and adds a hint of spice. Ground ginger is a possible substitute, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy on the Grill?
To get juicy and flavorful chicken, marinating is key. It enhances the taste and helps keep the chicken moist while grilling. Make sure to properly grill it by following these tips:
- Cook at medium-high heat to create a nice sear without drying out the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute for tenderness.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly grilled chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking! 🌟
Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken with Sweet Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh pineapple juice (about 1/2 cup if using canned)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
- Pineapple slices (optional, for grilling)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and marinate. You’ll want to let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, 2-3 hours is even better for more flavor. Grilling takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your grill and chicken thickness. Altogether, aim for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, but most of that is hands-free marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the marinade and glaze:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well mixed and set aside half of this marinade to use as a glaze later.
2. Marinate the chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, making sure it coats well. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally 2-3 hours for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat the grill:
Once your chicken is marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or brush the chicken with olive oil to help prevent sticking.
4. Grill the chicken and pineapple:
Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill. If you like, add some pineapple slices to the grill as well. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and you see nice grill marks. Grill the pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are caramelized and tender.
5. Glaze the chicken:
While the chicken is grilling, baste it with the reserved marinade a couple of times to enhance the sweet flavor and create that delicious glaze.
6. Rest and serve:
After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices distribute throughout the meat. Serve your juicy chicken topped with the grilled pineapple slices and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if you’d like.
Enjoy your sweet and tangy Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken! It’s sure to be a hit at your next meal!
FAQ for Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken with Sweet Glaze
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, just be sure to fully thaw it first! The best way is to thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge. It will save you time the next day. You can also prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it gently in a skillet on the stovetop. If the chicken seems dry, adding a splash of pineapple juice can help moisten it.
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Recipe?
Yes! While pineapple adds a lovely sweetness, you can experiment with other fruits like mango or peaches for a similar grilling effect. You could even try using a different fruit juice for the marinade for a unique twist!
