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Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant tropical dish featuring juicy, tender chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Grilled alongside caramelized fresh pineapple slices, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a smoky island twist. Ideal for casual barbecues or family dinners, it’s healthy, customizable, and sure to bring sunny flavors to your plate.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 68 fresh pineapple slices (about 1/2 inch thick)

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of oil until the sugar dissolves and all ingredients are well combined to create a flavorful tropical marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to enhance flavor and tenderness.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high to achieve beautiful grill marks and allow the pineapple to caramelize without burning.
  4. Grill the Pineapple and Chicken: Grill pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and slightly charred; remove and set aside. Then grill chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and juicy inside.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Arrange the grilled chicken and pineapple on plates. Spoon any leftover marinade reduced into a glaze over the chicken. Sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro or chili flakes if desired, and add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor and juiciness.
  • Use fresh pineapple instead of canned for better caramelization and brighter taste.
  • Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking and achieve perfect grill marks.
  • Watch the heat carefully; pineapple sugars can burn quickly over high heat.
  • Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to lock in the juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken, tropical chicken recipe, grilled chicken, pineapple chicken, Hawaiian chicken, sweet and savory chicken, summer BBQ recipe, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken