There is nothing quite like the tropical burst of flavors found in the Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken breast marinated in a vibrant blend of soy sauce, honey, and pineapple juice, perfectly complemented by the smoky sweetness of grilled pineapple. It’s a perfect meal that transports you to a Hawaiian paradise with every bite — sweet, savory, and fresh all at once. Whether you’re craving an easy weeknight dinner or something special for guests, this recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavors just right for the Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe is wonderfully simple, thanks to a handful of essential ingredients. Each one contributes a unique touch: the soy sauce adds depth and saltiness, honey offers sweetness and caramelization, and fresh pineapple juice brightens the entire marinade with tropical acidity. Plus, the garlic and ginger add that wonderful zing that ties everything together beautifully.
- Soy sauce: Provides the perfect salty, umami base that infuses the chicken with savory richness.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a gorgeous caramelized crust on the grill.
- Pineapple juice: Brings a fresh, tangy tropical note that tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the marinade adhere evenly.
- Garlic, minced: Offers a pungent, aromatic kick that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness.
- Fresh ginger, minced: Adds a warm, zesty flavor to brighten the marinade even further.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle for a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to balance all the sweet and savory notes.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main star, tender and juicy when properly marinated and grilled.
- Pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or chunks: Grilling enhances its natural sweetness and smokiness.
- Honey (for pineapple glaze): Combines with lime for a zesty-sweet coating on the pineapple.
- Lime juice: Provides a bright citrus pop that complements the pineapple’s natural flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a subtle warmth and uniqueness to the pineapple glaze.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped: A fresh herb garnish that adds color and freshness.
- Lime wedges: For serving, adding an extra burst of citrus to taste.
How to Make Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by creating the heart of the Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe: the marinade. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh ginger, sesame seeds if you like, and black pepper. This mixture is vibrant, tangy, and sweet—a flavor explosion waiting to embrace the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken completely, seal the bag, or cover the dish tightly, and pop it in the fridge. For the best flavor and tenderness, let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight will take it to the next level.
Step 3: Prepare the Pineapple Glaze
While your chicken soaks up those tropical flavors, whip up a glaze for your pineapple by mixing honey, lime juice, and ground cinnamon. This glaze will give the pineapple a tangy, sweet, and just a hint of spice that’s irresistible once grilled.
Step 4: Heat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, the perfect temperature for getting those beautiful grill marks on both the chicken and pineapple, locking in juices and flavor.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess liquid for safety. Grill the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Patience here ensures juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Step 6: Grill the Pineapple
Brush your pineapple slices or chunks with the honey-lime glaze, then place them on the grill. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, watching carefully until you see those gorgeous caramelized grill marks and the pineapple’s natural sugars start to bubble and caramelize.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Arrange the grilled chicken and pineapple on a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley for freshness and color, and add lime wedges on the side for an optional citrus squeeze right at the table. This presentation invites everyone to dive in and enjoy the perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.
How to Serve Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley is all you need to lift your grilled chicken and pineapple visually and flavor-wise. The bright green herbs contrast beautifully with the golden hues, and their fresh herbal notes balance the sweet and savory components.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, refreshing sides. Think fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up all those wonderful juices. A crisp green salad or grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini add a healthy, colorful complement to complete your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the grilled chicken and pineapple over a bed of quinoa or couscous mixed with chopped mango and toasted nuts. You could also pile the grilled pineapple and chicken on warm tortillas for casual Hawaiian-style tacos, topped with a drizzle of spicy mayo or sriracha for a bit of heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled chicken and pineapple store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the elements together so the pineapple flavor can keep infusing the chicken even after cooking.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts separately for up to 2 months, but grilled pineapple doesn’t freeze as well since it can become mushy. Freeze chicken in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container and defrost overnight in the fridge when you’re ready.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain moisture and prevent dryness. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the grilled texture and flavors, but it’s fine for a quick warm-up if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more forgiving on the grill. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs tend to cook faster and retain more fat.
Do I have to use fresh pineapple?
Fresh pineapple really shines in this recipe because the grilling brings out its natural sugars and flavor. Canned pineapple won’t caramelize the same way, so fresh is highly recommended for authentic results.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The minimum is 1 hour to start infusing flavor, but marinating overnight is best if you have the time. It tenderizes the chicken and deepens the tropical flavors beautifully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Always check your ingredient labels if you need to avoid gluten.
Can I make this recipe indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Yes! Use a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet to get nice grill marks and caramelization. Cook the chicken and pineapple on medium-high heat and watch them closely to mimic the grilling effect.
Final Thoughts
The Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe is a little taste of sunshine that you can enjoy anytime. It’s vibrant, easy to make, and perfect for bringing a tropical vibe to your dinner table. From the juicy marinated chicken to the sweet, caramelized pineapple, every bite bursts with flavor that will make you smile. Be sure to try this recipe soon—it’s bound to become one of your new favorites!
Print
Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection alongside caramelized pineapple rings. This Hawaiian-inspired recipe combines a sweet and savory marinade made with soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger, delivering a tropical twist to your dinner table. Topped with fresh herbs and served with lime wedges, it’s a perfect meal for summertime grilling or any occasion that calls for fresh, bright flavors.
Ingredients
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
Main
- 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)
Garnish and Serving
- 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, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds (if using), and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to enhance flavor absorption.
- Make the Pineapple Glaze: In a small bowl, mix honey, lime juice, and ground cinnamon (if using). Brush this glaze evenly over the pineapple rings or chunks to add a sweet, tangy coating.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to sear the chicken and caramelize the pineapple.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating it is fully cooked.
- Grill the Pineapple: Place the glazed pineapple on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, allowing grill marks to form and the glaze to caramelize.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken and pineapple to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve with lime wedges for added freshness. Accompany with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables as desired.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight if possible to deepen the flavors.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option.
- If you don’t have a grill, the chicken and pineapple can be cooked on a grill pan or broiled in the oven.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of honey in the marinade or glaze.
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and caramelization.
- Discard leftover marinade to avoid contamination.
