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Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 66 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to sear the chicken and caramelize the pineapple.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.