This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is a bright and tasty dish! The chicken is grilled to juicy perfection and topped with a sweet pineapple glaze that makes your taste buds dance.
I love how the sweet and tangy flavors come together. Plus, it only takes a few minutes on the grill! You can serve it with rice or a fresh salad for a fun meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they cook quickly. If you’re looking for variety, you can use chicken thighs for added flavor. They tend to be juicier and are less likely to dry out.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice adds a bright, sweet flavor. If fresh isn’t available, you can use canned juice, but go for 100% juice without added sugars. Make sure to shake it well before using!
Honey: This ingredient helps caramelize the chicken as it grills, giving it a lovely glaze. If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or agave syrup make great substitutes. They’ll still provide that important sweetness!
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce gives the chicken a savory kick. If you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option. Both will still keep the recipe delicious!
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tangy flavor. If you don’t have Dijon, you can use yellow mustard, though the flavor might be milder. Just a little bit will still help with the overall taste.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating is key to juicy and flavorful chicken. The combination of pineapple juice, honey, and soy sauce tenderizes the meat while adding flavor. Here are my tips:
- Make sure your chicken is fully submerged in the marinade for the best flavor.
- Don’t skimp on marinating time—1 hour minimum, but 4 hours is ideal.
- Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute.
How to Make Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple juice
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Grilling:
- Pineapple slices (for grilling)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade, plus at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours) to marinate the chicken. Grill time is around 15-20 minutes. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on how long you marinate the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the fresh pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper until everything is well mixed and smooth. This will give your chicken a delicious flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they’re completely covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour. For even more flavor, you can let it sit for up to 4 hours!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help get nice grill marks and cook the chicken evenly.
4. Prepare for Grilling:
Once marinating is done, take the chicken out of the fridge. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. It’s important to discard the leftover marinade to avoid any contamination.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill, and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. Look for nice grill marks, too!
6. Grill the Pineapple:
While the chicken is grilling, add the pineapple slices to the grill. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are caramelized and have beautiful grill marks—this adds great flavor!
7. Let it Rest:
Once cooked, remove the chicken and pineapple from the grill. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it. This helps keep it juicy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the grilled chicken slices with the caramelized pineapple on the side. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a heavenly touch. Enjoy your delicious Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! This marinade works well with pork chops or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time: pork should be grilled until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), and tofu needs less time, just enough to heat through and get some grill marks.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Pineapple Juice?
No worries! You can use canned pineapple juice or even a store-bought version. Just look for 100% juice to avoid added sugars or preservatives. If using concentrated juice, dilute it with a bit of water to get the right flavor balance.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can microwave it for a quick reheat or enjoy it cold in salads or sandwiches. To preserve the pineapple, keep it in a separate container and use it within 2-3 days for the best taste.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven Instead of Grilling?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Add the pineapple slices to the oven during the last 5-10 minutes for caramelization!
