Print

Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant tropical dish featuring marinated, smoky grilled chicken breasts paired with caramelized fresh pineapple slices. This recipe marries sweet, savory, and spicy flavors for a healthy, easy-to-prepare meal perfect for warm weather gatherings, backyard barbecues, or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Grilling Ingredients

  • 1 fresh pineapple, sliced into rings or rounds
  • Additional olive oil for grill

Optional Garnishes

  • Chopped green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until well combined, balancing sweet and savory flavors.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates well to prevent sticking. Preheating ensures beautiful grill marks and perfect caramelization of the pineapple slices.
  4. Grill the Chicken and Pineapple: Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and juices run clear or internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Grill the pineapple slices alongside the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until charred and softened.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Serve topped with the caramelized pineapple slices and garnish as desired.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken overnight for more intense flavor.
  • Use fresh pineapple for best texture and natural sweetness; canned pineapple can be a last resort.
  • Do not skip resting the chicken after grilling to keep it moist and tender.
  • Oil grill grates properly to achieve perfect grill marks and prevent sticking.
  • Check doneness early with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
  • Reserve some marinade before adding chicken to brush on during grilling for extra glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, pineapple chicken, tropical chicken recipe, summer grilling, healthy chicken recipe, aloha chicken, barbecue chicken