If you’re craving something juicy, sweet, and bursting with tropical vibes, this Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe is exactly what you need. The harmony of tender marinated chicken perfectly charred on the grill paired with caramelized pineapple rings smothered in honey and lime is pure magic. It’s a dish that effortlessly combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors to create a mouthwatering experience that’s both simple to prepare and impressive on the plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe brings a little taste of aloha to your table that’s sure to delight everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with ingredients that are both familiar and essential for bringing those lush tropical flavors to life. Each element, from the soy sauce’s deep umami to the fresh ginger’s zesty kick, works in harmony to build layers of taste and texture that make every bite memorable.
- Soy sauce: The salty backbone that enhances the chicken’s savory notes.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances the tang and heat beautifully.
- Pineapple juice: Provides tropical sweetness and tenderizes the chicken.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the marinade cling.
- Garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and a subtle bite to the marinade.
- Fresh ginger, minced: Offers a bright, slightly spicy warmth vital to this Hawaiian-inspired dish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Black pepper: A mild heat that rounds out the flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all those fantastic flavors.
- Pineapple, peeled and cut: The sweet, juicy contrast grilled to caramelized perfection.
- Lime juice: Injects refreshing acidity to brighten the pineapple glaze.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a subtle warm spice to the pineapple topping.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley: Delivers a fresh herbal finish at serving.
- Lime wedges: For a zesty squeeze that wakes up the entire plate.
How to Make Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ginger, sesame seeds if you’re using them, and black pepper. This marinade is where all the layers of flavor begin, combining sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy notes in a perfect blend that will infuse every bite of the chicken with aloha spirit.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal up or cover, then pop it in the fridge for at least one hour. For that next-level flavor, marinate it overnight if time allows—this ensures the chicken will be juicy and full of tropical goodness when grilled.
Step 3: Prepare the Pineapple
While the chicken marinates, mix together honey, lime juice, and a pinch of ground cinnamon if you like that warm hint of spice in a small bowl. Brush this glaze all over your pineapple rings or chunks to give them that irresistible sweet-tart coating that will caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill going at medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get good grill marks and caramelization without burning the sugars in your marinade and glaze.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade to keep things safe) and lay the breasts carefully on the hot grill. Grill them for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time.
Step 6: Grill the Pineapple
Place your honey-lime glazed pineapple pieces on the grill too. They only need a few minutes on each side—2 to 3 minutes—until you see gorgeous grill marks and the fruit becomes caramelized and tender but not mushy.
Step 7: Serve with Style
Transfer your grilled chicken and pineapple to a platter, sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley, and add some lime wedges for that extra burst of freshness. Your Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe is now ready to impress!
How to Serve Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley adds a vibrant green color and a clean, herbal note that elevates the dish. Lime wedges are not just decorative—they invite a squeeze of zesty brightness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This grilled chicken and pineapple combo pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing sides like jasmine rice, a crisp green salad, or some grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. These sides complement the tropical flavors without overpowering them, making for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the box? Serve the sliced grilled chicken atop a bed of coconut rice for an island twist, or tuck the chicken and pineapple slices into warm tortillas and drizzle with a little sriracha mayo to make delicious tropical-inspired wraps. This Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe is versatile and perfect for casual family dinners or fancy backyard barbecues.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay good for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld even better over time, making for tasty next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken and pineapple separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool everything completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor when you thaw.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or warm up in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying out the chicken. The pineapple heats quickly, so add it near the end just to warm through without losing its fresh caramelized texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully because they stay juicy and tender, plus they soak up marinades beautifully. Just adjust grilling time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is sesame seed mandatory in this recipe?
Not at all! The sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nutty flavor, but if you don’t have them on hand, just leave them out—the other marinade ingredients will shine perfectly on their own.
Can this be made without a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or even broil the chicken and pineapple in the oven. Just watch closely to avoid burning since the sugars caramelize quickly.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?
While an hour is the minimum, overnight marinating really infuses the meat with deeper flavor and tenderness. If pressed for time, even 30 minutes will add noticeable flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and grill similarly. The marinade and pineapple glaze remain delicious and carry those signature aloha flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe is a joyful celebration of tropical flavors, simple ingredients, and easy preparation that makes you feel like you’re dining in paradise at home. Whether you’re new to grilling or a seasoned pro, the balance of sweet, savory, and tangy in this dish will win you over every time. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and bring a little aloha spirit to your next meal—it’s a winner, trust me!
Print
Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory tropical flavors. Marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger, the chicken is grilled to juicy perfection and paired with caramelized pineapple rings brushed with a honey-lime glaze. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or a flavorful weeknight dinner, featuring bright, fresh garnishes of cilantro and lime wedges.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or chunks
Pineapple Glaze
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Garnishes
- 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 all pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight to deepen the flavors.
- Prepare the Pineapple Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together honey, lime juice, and ground cinnamon if using. Brush this glaze evenly over the pineapple rings or chunks before grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, getting it ready for the chicken and pineapple.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is nicely charred.
- Grill the Pineapple: Place the glazed pineapple pieces on the grill. Grill for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the pineapple caramelizes slightly.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken and pineapple to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and lime wedges. Serve with rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Use fresh pineapple for the best caramelization and sweetness.
- The optional cinnamon adds a warm spicy note to the pineapple glaze that complements the tropical flavors.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to prevent sticking and to achieve beautiful grill marks.
- Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked safely.
