This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is a sweet and tangy delight! It features juicy chicken marinated in honey and fresh pineapple juice, grilled to perfection.
Every bite is a taste of summer, and it’s so easy to make! I love serving it with rice and veggies. Just don’t forget to have extra napkins ready — it’s that good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking. If you want a juicy alternative, consider using thighs, which are often more flavorful and forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Pineapple juice: Fresh pineapple juice gives a vibrant flavor, but canned works just fine too. If you need a substitute due to allergies, orange juice can provide a sweet and tangy touch.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but you can swap it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option. I prefer using wildflower honey for its unique flavor.
Soy sauce: For a gluten-free alternative, use tamari or coconut aminos. It also adds a hint of umami that really enhances the chicken’s taste.
Garlic powder and ground ginger: These spices offer depth. If fresh garlic or ginger is on hand, feel free to use those instead. I find fresh ingredients often pack a stronger punch!
How Do You Marinate Chicken to Get Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is crucial for keeping it tender and flavorful. The key is to allow enough time for the marinade to work its magic, so aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.
- Mix all your marinade ingredients in a bowl. You want a good balance of sweet and savory.
- Place the chicken in a resealable bag, pour in the marinade, and give it a gentle shake to coat all pieces.
- Seal it tight and refrigerate – this allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, making it juicy and delicious.
How to Make Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Grilling (Optional):
- Fresh pineapple slices
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes for prep and 2 hours for marinating. If you can, letting the chicken marinate overnight will make it even tastier. Grilling will take about 15 minutes. So, plan for around 2 hours and 25 minutes in total, including marination time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. This mix will give your chicken a delicious sweet and savory flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken strips in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. If you have time, letting it marinate overnight is even better for enhancing flavor.
3. Preheat and Prepare:
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you want to add grilled pineapple, brush fresh pineapple slices lightly with olive oil to prepare them for grilling.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Once the grill is hot, take the chicken out of the marinade and discard the leftover marinade (you don’t want to use that again). Grill the chicken strips for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re fully cooked and have beautiful grill marks. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety!
5. Grill the Pineapple (Optional):
If you’re using fresh pineapple, add the slices to the grill for the last few minutes of cooking. Grill them until they’re golden and caramelized—this adds a nice touch to your meal!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Serve the grilled chicken with the grilled pineapple on the side. Feel free to sprinkle fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy your tasty honey pineapple grilled chicken!
Can I Use Boneless Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative, as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the grilling time to about 7-10 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the thighs.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
No problem! You can substitute pineapple juice with orange juice for a slightly different flavor profile. Alternatively, a mixture of half apple juice and half vinegar will also work in a pinch, though it will be less sweet.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat to keep it moist. A splash of extra marinade or some broth can help prevent drying out!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Definitely! In fact, marinating the chicken overnight allows the flavors to penetrate even deeper, making for a more delicious meal. Just be sure not to marinate for more than 24 hours, as the acidity can affect the texture of the chicken.
