Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

Juicy, sweet, and slightly smoky—Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken brings tropical vibes straight to your backyard. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend barbecue or craving something fresh and flavorful for dinner, this dish checks all the boxes. The combination of honey’s mellow sweetness and pineapple’s zesty punch makes each bite unforgettable. It’s easy to prep, packed with flavor, and pairs perfectly with simple sides. If you’re new to grilling, don’t worry—this recipe is super forgiving. Get ready to impress your guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken—here’s why it’ll become a regular on your menu:

• Bursting with flavor: Sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite.
• Beginner-friendly: Simple ingredients and grilling steps.
• Versatile: Perfect for tacos, wraps, salads, or on its own.
• Budget-conscious: Uses pantry staples and affordable chicken cuts.

It’s a fuss-free recipe that delivers big flavor—ideal for summer meals or any time you’re dreaming of island-inspired eats.

History & Fun Facts About Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

While Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken doesn’t hail from one specific culture, it draws inspiration from:

1. Hawaiian BBQ traditions, where pineapple and meat are a common duo.
2. Tropical marinades found in Polynesian and Caribbean cuisine.
3. The popularity of sweet-savory combos in American grilling culture.
4. Pineapple’s role as a tenderizer—it’s not just tasty, it’s functional!

The sweet pineapple juice works magic by breaking down proteins, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth chicken. Combine that with honey and grill char? Perfection.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
• Fresh Pineapple slices (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken in a zip-top bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over, seal, and refrigerate for 2 to 6 hours.
3. Prep your grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F).
5. Optional grilling: Add pineapple slices to the grill for 2–3 minutes per side until charred.
6. Rest & slice: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
7. Garnish: Top with grilled pineapple and fresh herbs.
8. Serve hot with your favorite sides or as part of a tropical wrap.

Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken Tips and Twists

Make your Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken even better with these tricks:

Top Cooking Tips:

1. Use fresh pineapple juice for a brighter flavor.
2. Don’t skip marinating time—it makes a big difference.
3. Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken.
4. Let the meat rest to retain juices.
5. Grill pineapple for bonus flavor and presentation.

Tasty Variations:

• Spicy kick: Add sriracha or chili paste to the marinade.
• Coconut twist: Use coconut milk in place of vinegar for a richer flavor.
• Oven version: Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes if you don’t have a grill.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips for Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

Keep your leftovers tasting just as fresh:

Storage:
Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Make-Ahead:
Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, or grill and slice it the day before a party—it reheats beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Honey pineapple grilled chicken shines with the right sides. Pair it with a refreshing watermelon feta salad to echo the tropical vibe—its tangy feta complements the sweet chicken. Serve with grilled corn on the cob for smoky crunch. A side of roasted broccoli and carrots adds earthy balance. For drinks, try iced tea or a pineapple-infused mocktail. Present sliced chicken over a bed of rice, topped with grilled pineapple and cilantro for a vibrant plate.

FAQ About Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, just ensure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Absolutely—freeze in the marinade for up to 3 months.

Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work great and stay juicy.

Is this gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I grill this indoors?
A grill pan or cast-iron skillet works wonderfully!

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

Whether you’re grilling for guests or just need a no-fuss weeknight dinner, Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken brings tropical flair to your plate. It’s sweet, smoky, and perfectly charred with that juicy center we all crave. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular in your rotation. Grab your tongs and make some magic!

Print

Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is juicy, sweet, and smoky—perfect for beginners who want big flavor with little fuss. The honey and pineapple combo creates a tropical marinade that tenderizes and delights. Fire up your grill and enjoy this foolproof dish with family and friends.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Hawaiian-Inspired

Keyword grilled chicken recipe, honey chicken, pineapple marinade, summer grilling, tropical chicken recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320kcal

Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil for grilling
• Pineapple slices optional, for serving
• Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

• In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and spices.
• Place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour in marinade and refrigerate for 2–6 hours.
• Preheat grill to medium-high and oil the grates.
• Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
• Optionally, grill pineapple slices for 2–3 minutes on each side.
• Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Top with grilled pineapple and fresh herbs.
• Serve Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken with your favorite sides.

Notes

To keep the chicken moist, avoid overcooking—use a meat thermometer. For a fun twist on Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken, use boneless thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.

Nutrition:
Calories: 320 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 580mg | Sugar: 14g

Explore More Recipes

Love this recipe? Try these next:

• Grilled Shrimp with Avocado Corn Salsa – Another tropical favorite!
• Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan – Easy, hands-off cooking.
• Coconut Macaroons – A sweet finish to your meal.

Happy cooking!