Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled chicken breast, kissed by smoky grill marks and topped with caramelized, sweet pineapple chunks that burst with tropical flavor. This isn't just another chicken recipe—this is a mouthwatering journey that transforms your ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure. With a tantalizing marinade that balances sweet, savory, and umami notes, this Grilled Chicken with Pineapple will transport your taste buds to a beachside paradise without ever leaving your backyard.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the marinade is well mixed.
- Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are glowing and covered with white ash.
- Once the grill is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts on the grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on one side, or until grill marks appear and the chicken releases easily from the grill.
- Flip the chicken breasts and add the pineapple chunks to the grill. Grill the chicken for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
- During the last few minutes of grilling, turn the pineapple chunks occasionally until they are caramelized and have nice grill marks.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and pineapple from the grill. Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices.
- Serve the grilled chicken breasts topped with the grilled pineapple chunks. Optionally, you can garnish with fresh herbs or serve with a side of rice or salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don't rush the marinating process. While 15 minutes works, letting the chicken sit for up to 2 hours allows deeper flavor penetration.
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. This prevents overcooking and keeps the meat juicy.
- Preheat and Clean Your Grill: A hot, clean grill prevents sticking and creates beautiful grill marks. Brush the grates before cooking.
- Let Meat Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest 5 minutes after grilling helps redistribute juices, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.
- Experiment with Marinades: Feel free to customize the marinade with ingredients like honey, sriracha, or fresh ginger for unique flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
