Description
This Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple recipe offers a delicious tropical-inspired meal featuring marinated boneless chicken breasts grilled to perfection alongside caramelized pineapple. The savory-sweet marinade combines soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger, imparting vibrant flavors perfect for summer grilling or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pineapple Glaze
- 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or chunks
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, olive oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame seeds if using, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight to maximize flavor infusion.
- Make Pineapple Glaze: In a small bowl, mix honey, lime juice, and ground cinnamon if using. Brush this mixture evenly over the pineapple rings or chunks, coating them well for added sweetness and tang.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken and pineapple.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
- Grill the Pineapple: Place the pineapple pieces on the grill alongside the chicken. Grill them for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the pineapple caramelizes slightly, enhancing its natural sweetness.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken and pineapple to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and lime wedges. Serve warm, optionally alongside rice, salad, or grilled vegetables to complete the meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness significantly.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked to 165°F for safety.
- For extra smoky flavor, add a wood chip packet to the grill if using a charcoal grill.
- The pineapple glaze can be adjusted by adding more honey or lime juice to suit your taste preference.
- Sesame seeds are optional but add a nice texture and nutty flavor if included.
