If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines juicy, tender chicken with a burst of tropical sweetness, look no further than this Pineapple Grilled Chicken Recipe. This recipe offers a perfect balance of savory spices and bright pineapple flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with vibrant, mouthwatering notes, making grilling day feel like a mini vacation. It’s simple to prepare, wonderfully tasty, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is key to making this Pineapple Grilled Chicken Recipe a success. Each component plays an essential role, from the tangy sweetness of pineapple juice to the earthy kick of herbs and spices, which together create layers of flavor and a beautiful golden crust.
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts: These provide a lean, juicy base that soaks up every bit of marinade.
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil: Adds moisture and helps the chicken stay tender while grilling.
- ½ cup pineapple juice: The star ingredient that brings sweetness and tenderizing acids.
- 1 Tbsp salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural chicken flavors.
- 1 tsp paprika: Gives subtle smokiness and a hint of color to the chicken.
- 2 tsp dried basil: Adds a fragrant herbal note that complements the pineapple beautifully.
- 2 tsp onion powder: Provides savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- ½ tsp dried thyme leaves (crushed): Contributes a gentle earthiness that rounds out the seasoning.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Lends a rich garlicky aroma that enhances overall flavor complexity.
How to Make Pineapple Grilled Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the vegetable oil, pineapple juice, salt, paprika, basil, onion powder, thyme, and garlic powder in a bowl. This marinade is where the magic happens — the pineapple juice tenderizes the chicken while the spices infuse it with mouthwatering flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a gallon-size ziplock bag. Lightly pound each chicken piece with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are of even thickness. This step helps ensure quick, even cooking on the grill. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate it overnight. This slow soaking allows the spices and pineapple to penetrate the meat deeply.
Step 3: Prepare for Grilling
Remove the chicken from the marinade about an hour before you plan to grill it. Discard the used marinade to avoid any food safety issues. Letting the chicken come close to room temperature helps it cook more evenly and prevents the grill from cooling down too much.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for approximately 12 to 15 minutes total, turning every few minutes to create those beautiful char marks and ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. The pineapple marinade caramelizes slightly on the outside, delivering a sweet, smoky crust that’s irresistible.
How to Serve Pineapple Grilled Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate this dish even further. Think chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and aroma. A few wedges of fresh pineapple on the side not only enhance the tropical vibe but also give your plate a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Imagine fluffy coconut rice or a crisp garden salad with a zesty lime dressing to balance the sweet and savory flavors. Grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini are also excellent companions that complement the smoky notes of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try serving the chicken sliced over a bed of mixed greens or stuffing it into warm tortillas with avocado slices and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a vibrant grilled chicken taco. You can also skewer the marinated chicken with chunks of pineapple and bell pepper for colorful kabobs that are perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pineapple Grilled Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. For best flavor and texture, slice or keep whole and reheat gently.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap pieces tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out your chicken, warm it slowly in the oven at a low temperature or gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water to retain moisture. Avoid microwaving directly as it can make the chicken tough.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and a bit more forgiving on the grill. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to marinate overnight?
Overnight marinating really helps develop the rich flavor and tenderize the chicken, but if short on time, at least 2-3 hours will still yield delicious results.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400ºF until it reaches 165ºF internally. The flavor will be just as delightful!
What can I substitute for pineapple juice?
If you don’t have pineapple juice, a mix of orange juice with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice can mimic the acidity and sweetness, but pineapple juice is best to keep that signature tropical taste.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and focuses more on sweet and savory flavors. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the marinade.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Grilled Chicken Recipe is one of those perfect dishes that feels like a celebration every time you make it. Juicy, flavorful, and simple to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection, just as it has in mine!
Print
Pineapple Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including 1 hour resting time before grilling plus overnight marinating)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pineapple Grilled Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of pineapple juice, oil, and aromatic spices. Grilled to perfection, this dish offers a sweet and savory taste that’s perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 2 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme leaves, crushed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: Whisk together the vegetable or canola oil, pineapple juice, salt, paprika, dried basil, onion powder, crushed dried thyme leaves, and garlic powder until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a gallon-size ziplock bag. Lightly pound each chicken breast with a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure an even thickness, which helps them cook evenly.
- Marinate: Pour the marinade over the chicken in the ziplock bag, seal it tightly, and refrigerate the chicken overnight to let the flavors deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat and rest: Remove the chicken from the marinade approximately 1 hour before grilling to allow it to come to room temperature. Discard any leftover marinade.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF and the chicken is fully cooked with nice grill marks.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight; however, a minimum of 2 hours will still infuse good flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165ºF.
- Feel free to substitute fresh herbs instead of dried for a different aromatic profile.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted to a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
