Chili Pineapple Grilled Chicken (Printable)
Sweet and spicy grilled chicken with caramelized pineapple rings, ready in just 35 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Marinade
02 - ½ cup pineapple juice
03 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 2 tablespoons honey
06 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
09 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
→ Grilling & Garnish
12 - 1 cup fresh pineapple rings, sliced
13 - 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
14 - Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, olive oil, honey, chili powder, smoked paprika, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until well combined.
02 - Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
03 - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F to 400°F, ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled.
04 - Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill for 6 to 8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
05 - While the chicken cooks, grill pineapple rings for 2 to 3 minutes per side until nicely caramelized with distinct grill marks.
06 - Serve each chicken breast topped with grilled pineapple rings, garnished with thinly sliced red chili and fresh cilantro leaves as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade doubles as a glaze, so nothing goes to waste and the flavor builds in layers.
- It tastes like something you would order at a beachside restaurant but comes together with pantry staples on a weeknight.
02 -
- Do not skip the marinating step because the pineapple juice needs time to tenderize the chicken.
- Watch the pineapple closely on the grill because sugar goes from caramelized to burnt very quickly.
03 -
- Save a few tablespoons of marinade before adding the chicken to use as a basting brush glaze during grilling.
- A chilled Riesling or a citrusy pale ale alongside turns a simple dinner into a proper occasion.