Description
A vibrant and flavorful grilled chicken recipe inspired by Hawaiian flavors, featuring juicy marinated chicken breasts and caramelized pineapple rings infused with honey and lime. Perfect for a tropical-themed meal that’s both sweet and savory.
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
Chicken
- 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
- 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, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare the Pineapple Glaze: In a small bowl, mix honey, lime juice, and ground cinnamon if using. Use this mixture to brush the pineapple rings or chunks evenly.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat, preparing it for cooking the chicken and pineapple.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from 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 the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Grill the Pineapple: Add the glazed pineapple pieces to the grill alongside the chicken. Grill each side for 2-3 minutes until grill marks are visible and the pineapple caramelizes nicely.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken and pineapple to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley and lime wedges. Serve with your choice of rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight will deepen the flavors and tenderize the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- The pineapple glaze can be adjusted by adding more honey or lime juice according to taste.
- Optional sesame seeds add a nice texture and nutty flavor to the marinade but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Grilling pineapple caramelizes its natural sugars, enhancing sweetness—avoid overcooking to prevent bitterness.
