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.