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Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken
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Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant tropical dish combining the sweetness of caramelized grilled pineapple with juicy, savory chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and lime. Perfect for summer BBQs or family dinners, this recipe offers an easy, healthy, and customizable meal that delights the senses with its sweet, smoky, and zesty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts (about 1.5 lbs), tender cuts preferred

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Produce

  • 1 fresh pineapple, sliced into thick rings or chunks
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, oil, and optional chili flakes to create a balanced, flavorful marinade that will infuse the chicken with tropical zest and savory depth.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat for tender, juicy results.
  3. Prep the Pineapple: Slice fresh pineapple into thick rings or chunks, ideal for grilling without falling apart. This enables the pineapple to caramelize beautifully and develop a smoky tropical sweetness.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high to ensure a quick sear that locks in the chicken’s juices while creating signature grill marks and enhanced smoky flavor.
  5. Grill Chicken and Pineapple: Arrange the chicken and pineapple on the grill. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Grill pineapple slices for about 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and slightly charred, turning frequently to avoid burning.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove chicken and pineapple from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. Plate together and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh herbal note and vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender results compared to breasts.
  • Do not skip marination: at least one hour is essential for deep flavor infusion.
  • Lightly oil grill grates before heating to prevent sticking and achieve perfect grill marks.
  • Turn the pineapple frequently as natural sugars can burn easily.
  • Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken, tropical chicken recipe, grilled chicken, pineapple chicken, summer BBQ recipe, tropical BBQ, gluten free chicken, easy chicken marinade

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/aloha-grilled-pineapple-chicken/