Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

Introduction

Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is the ultimate combination of tangy, juicy, and sweet. Each bite bursts with bright pineapple flavor and rich honey glaze, all perfectly caramelized over the grill. Its vibrant, tropical flair makes it a standout for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. This easy recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, pleasing crowds and picky eaters alike.

Why Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is a Must-Try

Sweet pineapple and floral honey unite to tenderize and flavor chicken breasts or thighs, while a splash of soy sauce adds just the right amount of savory depth. Throwing everything on the grill means easy cleanup, plus that irresistibly juicy, caramelized char that’s hard to resist. This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from rice to bright salads—making it as versatile as it is delicious.

The Magic Behind the Marinade

The honey pineapple marinade uses everyday pantry staples to infuse the chicken with juicy flavor. Pineapple juice gently tenderizes the meat, and honey ensures a glossy caramelized surface. Simply whisk everything together and give your chicken at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours) to soak up all the flavors. This quick step is the secret to a juicy, flavor-packed main that feels anything but ordinary.

How to Grill the Chicken Like a Pro

Grilling your marinated chicken is straightforward: preheat your grill, brush with a bit of oil, and cook until you see golden grill marks and the chicken is cooked through. Slice up fresh pineapple rings for a smoky-sweet garnish that takes the presentation to the next level. Serve them alongside your grilled chicken for added flavor and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken with coconut rice, grilled corn, or a vibrant cucumber slaw to keep those tropical flavors going. The sweet and tangy glaze makes this dish equally at home atop a salad or tucked into tacos with avocado and cilantro. The possibilities are endless, and the bold flavors make it an instant favorite.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 servings. Each serving (with skinless chicken breast) offers about 280–320 calories, with a healthy dose of lean protein, vitamin C from the pineapple, and just the right amount of honey-glazed indulgence. It’s a balanced meal you can feel good about serving to family and friends.

Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken (Recap)

A bright, flavorful marinade and a quick grill transform simple chicken into a tropical crowd-pleaser. Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is a weeknight dinner win and a grill-party showstopper, all in one simple recipe.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically create a clear, organized shopping list with every ingredient sorted by grocery section—making weeknight and party grocery trips stress-free!

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and black pepper. Reserve ¼ cup of this marinade for basting.
2. Place chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour remaining marinade over the chicken, turning to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 8 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush with oil to prevent sticking.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off; discard used marinade. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F). Baste occasionally with reserved marinade for extra flavor.
5. Optional: Grill pineapple rings for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely marked and caramelized.
6. Transfer chicken to a platter, top with grilled pineapple slices, and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions. Serve hot.

Weekly Meal Planning

Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is ideal for meal prep, summer dinners, or making ahead for stress-free hosting. Save and schedule this recipe in your meal planner to easily plan grilling nights and get a smart shopping list for all your meals that week.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically tallies up total ingredients for all scheduled recipes
• Sorts shopping lists by grocery store sections for speedy, organized trips
• Reduces duplicate stacking and missed items
• Keeps your meal prep efficient, budget-friendly, and fun

Pro tip: Schedule this chicken alongside a grain bowl or taco recipe to use leftovers smartly. With CookifyAI, overlapping ingredients like limes or fresh herbs will be calculated for your whole week, cutting down on waste and guesswork.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes + marination (30 min to 8 hrs)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes plus marination