Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, offering a tropical flair to your backyard barbecue or simple weeknight dinner. The juicy chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of honey, pineapple juice, garlic, and soy sauce, then grilled to perfection for a mouthwatering result.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings a burst of sunshine to my plate, no matter the season. The sweetness from the honey and pineapple juice pairs so well with the smokiness from the grill. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve with rice, salad, or even in a sandwich.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Pineapple juice

• Honey

• Soy sauce

• Garlic, minced

• Fresh ginger, grated (optional for an extra kick)

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Pineapple slices (optional, for grilling alongside the chicken)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, I whisk together pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger.

2. I pour the marinade over the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.

3. Once marinated, I preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.

4. I remove the chicken from the marinade and grill it for 6–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and slightly charred.

5. If using pineapple slices, I grill them for a few minutes on each side until caramelized.

6. I let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time of 2 hours or more)
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: around 2 hours and 25 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes swap chicken thighs for breasts to make the dish juicier.

• Adding a splash of lime juice to the marinade gives it a citrusy zing.

• For a spicy twist, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce.

• I like to serve it over coconut rice or in tacos with shredded cabbage for variety.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If I grilled pineapple slices, I store them separately and reheat them in the same way.

FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken?

I recommend marinating for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for deep flavor.

Can I use canned pineapple juice?

Yes, I often use canned pineapple juice—just make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar.

What type of chicken works best?

I use either boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to be juicier, but both work great.

Can I cook this without a grill?

Absolutely. I sometimes use a grill pan or bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.

What sides go well with this dish?

I love serving it with grilled veggies, coconut rice, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is a go-to in my kitchen when I want something fresh, flavorful, and easy. Whether I’m cooking for the family or hosting friends, this dish delivers big taste with minimal effort. The sweet and savory marinade makes every bite irresistible, and it’s a recipe I return to again and again.

Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating time)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken offers a sweet and savory flavor with a tropical twist. Marinated in a blend of pineapple juice, honey, garlic, and soy sauce, it’s grilled to juicy perfection, making it ideal for summer BBQs or weeknight dinners.

---

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Pineapple slices (optional, for grilling)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger.
2. Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6–7 minutes per side or until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. If using, grill pineapple slices for a few minutes on each side until caramelized.
6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

---

Notes

• Marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
• Chicken thighs tend to be juicier than breasts.
• Add lime juice or red pepper flakes to the marinade for variations.
• Serve with coconut rice, grilled veggies, or in tacos.

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 90mg