Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is a tropical twist on classic grilled chicken, combining the sweetness of pineapple and honey with savory spices for a flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a tangy-sweet sauce, then grilled to perfection with caramelized pineapple slices for an irresistible smoky char. Serve it alongside rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s fire up the grill!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet & Savory: The honey-pineapple marinade strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and savory.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Grill-Friendly: Perfect for outdoor grilling season, but can also be made indoors using a grill pan or oven broiler.
Healthy Option: Lean chicken breast and nutrient-rich pineapple make this dish light yet satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Marinade:

1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp pineapple juice (from canned or fresh pineapple)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Chicken & Pineapple:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings (or use pre-cut pineapple slices)
Optional: Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they’re fully coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

2. Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are covered with white ash.
Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

3. Grill the Chicken & Pineapple

Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the leftover marinade for basting) and place it on the grill.
Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
While the chicken is grilling, add the pineapple slices to the grill. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they develop beautiful grill marks and caramelize slightly.