Description
This Grilled Pineapple Chicken recipe features juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then grilled to perfection with charred pineapple slices. It’s an easy, flavorful dish perfect for summer dinners or BBQ gatherings.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup (107 g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped peeled ginger
- 4 (6- to 8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, plus more for grill
Pineapple and Garnish
- 1 pineapple, cored and sliced into rings, rings halved
- Thinly sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together finely chopped garlic, unsweetened pineapple juice, ketchup, low-sodium soy sauce, packed light brown sugar, and finely chopped peeled ginger until well combined, creating a flavorful and balanced marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag and pour in the prepared marinade. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to allow the chicken to soak in the flavors thoroughly.
- Preheat the grill: Prepare a grill for high heat by preheating it for about 5 minutes, or alternatively, heat a grill pan over high heat on the stove. Clean and oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the hot grill. Grill, basting occasionally with leftover marinade, and flip the chicken to cook on both sides until charred and cooked through, about 8 minutes per side. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
- Grill the pineapple: In a medium bowl, toss the halved pineapple rings with vegetable oil. Place them on the grill and cook, flipping occasionally, until they have nice grill marks and are slightly charred, approximately 2 minutes per side.
- Assemble and serve: Arrange the grilled chicken breasts and pineapple slices on a serving platter. Sprinkle thinly sliced scallions over the top for a fresh, vibrant garnish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to accurately check doneness and avoid overcooking.
- Make sure to oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking of both chicken and pineapple.
- Leftover marinade should not be used as a sauce unless boiled to eliminate raw chicken bacteria.
- Pineapple adds natural sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken due to its enzymes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
