Grilled Pineapple Chicken

The sizzling aroma of sweet caramelized pineapple paired with juicy, charred Grilled Pineapple Chicken creates an irresistible tropical symphony on your plate. This vibrant dish combines the smoky flavors of the grill with the natural sweetness of pineapple for a perfect balance that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal. The tangy-sweet glaze bathes each tender piece of chicken, creating a delightful contrast of flavors that will transport you to an island getaway. You’ll learn how to achieve the perfect char on both the chicken and pineapple, creating a restaurant-quality dish right in your backyard.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled Pineapple Chicken delivers an explosion of complementary flavors that dance on your palate with each bite. The marriage of savory, juicy chicken with sweet, caramelized pineapple creates a delightful contrast that elevates this dish beyond ordinary grilled fare. The chicken develops a beautiful char while remaining tender and succulent on the inside, while the pineapple transforms into candy-like sweetness with a slight smokiness from the grill.

What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its versatility and ease. With minimal prep time and straightforward grilling techniques, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. The marinade does double duty as both a flavor infuser and a glossy glaze, ensuring no ingredient goes to waste.

The visual appeal is undeniable too—the golden-brown chicken pieces with charred grill marks alongside the vibrant yellow pineapple creates a plate that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and impressive entertaining.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Pineapple Chicken, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch rings (or 2 cups pre-cut fresh pineapple chunks)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) honey
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) pineapple juice (from fresh pineapple or canned)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon (15g) fresh ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
• 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving

Fresh pineapple is recommended for its bright flavor and firm texture that holds up well on the grill. The combination of soy sauce, honey, and pineapple juice creates a perfectly balanced sweet-savory marinade that caramelizes beautifully.

Pro Tips

To make the ultimate Grilled Pineapple Chicken, follow these critical techniques:

First, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This extended marination allows the enzymes in the pineapple juice to tenderize the chicken while the flavors deeply penetrate the meat. For maximum flavor, reserve about 1/4 cup of the marinade before adding the chicken to use as a basting sauce during grilling.

Second, master the heat zones on your grill. Create a two-zone fire with direct high heat and indirect medium heat areas. Start the chicken on the high heat zone to create those beautiful grill marks and caramelization (about 3-4 minutes per side), then move to the indirect heat to finish cooking without burning. This technique ensures juicy chicken with a perfectly caramelized exterior.

Finally, timing is crucial when grilling pineapple. Grill the pineapple rings just before serving, about 2-3 minutes per side on direct heat. The natural sugars caramelize quickly, so watch carefully to prevent burning. The perfect pineapple should have distinctive grill marks and slightly softened texture while maintaining some structural integrity.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha until well combined. Reserve 1/4 cup of this mixture in a separate small bowl for basting during grilling. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/204°C). Clean and oil the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking. Create a two-zone fire by keeping one side at direct high heat and the other at indirect medium heat. This setup gives you complete control over the cooking process.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade. Place the chicken thighs on the direct heat zone of the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes until attractive grill marks form. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side. Now, move the chicken to the indirect heat zone and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the reserved marinade over the chicken for an extra flavor boost and beautiful glaze.

Step 4: Grill the Pineapple

While the chicken rests, place the pineapple rings on the direct heat zone of the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized with distinct grill marks. The pineapple should soften slightly while maintaining its shape. Remove from the grill once caramelized to your liking.

Step 5: Serve

Arrange the Grilled Pineapple Chicken on a platter with the grilled pineapple. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the dish right before eating. The fresh lime juice adds a bright, citrusy finish that perfectly complements the sweet-savory flavors.

Variations

For a spicy twist on the classic Grilled Pineapple Chicken, add 1-2 diced jalapeños to the marinade and sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish. The heat from the peppers creates an exciting contrast with the sweet pineapple, elevating this tropical dish to new heights.

Create a coconut variation by replacing half the soy sauce with coconut milk and adding 1 tablespoon of curry powder to the marinade. This Thai-inspired version brings a creamy, aromatic dimension to the dish while maintaining its tropical essence. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.

For a Hawaiian-style plate lunch version, serve the Grilled Pineapple Chicken with steamed white rice and quick-pickled vegetables. Add a side of macaroni salad for an authentic island experience. This hearty variation transforms the dish into a complete meal that’s perfect for a backyard luau or themed dinner party.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Grilled Pineapple Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the chicken and grilled pineapple separately to maintain their distinct textures. Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or pineapple juice to restore moisture, or microwave at 50% power until just warmed through.

For an elegant dinner presentation, serve the Grilled Pineapple Chicken over coconut rice with the grilled pineapple arranged around the plate and a sprinkle of cilantro and black sesame seeds. The coconut rice soaks up the flavorful juices beautifully.

Create a tropical salad by slicing the cooled chicken and pineapple, then arranging over mixed greens with avocado, red bell pepper, and a light lime vinaigrette. This refreshing option works perfectly for lunch the next day.

For a family-style feast, serve the chicken and pineapple with warm tortillas, sliced avocado, lime wedges, and fresh salsa, allowing everyone to create their own tropical tacos.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time accordingly as they cook faster and can dry out more easily. For best results, pound them to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch and reduce the grilling time to about 4-5 minutes per side.

Can I use canned pineapple if fresh isn’t available?
While fresh pineapple provides the best texture and flavor for grilling, you can use canned pineapple rings in a pinch. Drain them thoroughly and pat dry before grilling, as excess moisture will prevent proper caramelization. Choose pineapple packed in juice rather than syrup for a more natural flavor.

How can I tell when the chicken is done without a thermometer?
When properly cooked, the juices should run clear when the thickest part of the chicken is pierced. The meat should feel firm but still have some give, and there should be no pink remaining inside. However, a meat thermometer is the most reliable method, with chicken being safely cooked at 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this dish without a grill?
Absolutely! Use a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat, or broil in the oven. For broiling, position the rack 6 inches from the heat source and broil for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, the marinade can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This is a great time-saving technique that allows for deeper flavor development once added to the chicken.

Conclusion

This Grilled Pineapple Chicken is tropical comfort food at its finest — juicy, caramelized, and bursting with sweet-savory flavors that transport you to an island paradise with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into a special occasion or elevates your backyard gathering to a memorable feast. The combination of tender chicken and sweet grilled pineapple creates a perfect harmony that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers impressive results with surprisingly little effort.

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