Juicy Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken in Just 10 Minutes

Name: Juicy Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken in Just 10 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup pineapple juice; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, grated; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

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Nothing says summer like the smell of chicken sizzling on the grill with that sweet, tangy aroma of honey and pineapple wafting through the air. This honey pineapple grilled chicken recipe takes me right back to my childhood – standing barefoot in the grass next to my dad at our old charcoal grill, him teaching me how to baste just right. Now it’s my go-to when I want to bring those tropical vacation vibes to my backyard. Trust me, with just 10 minutes of prep and a quick grill, you’ll have juicy, flavor-packed chicken that’ll make everyone think you’re a barbecue master!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Ingredients for Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
How to Make Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
- Marinating the Chicken
- Grilling the Chicken
Tips for Perfect Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Serving Suggestions for Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Storing and Reheating Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken Variations
Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken FAQs
Nutritional Information for Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

This recipe is my summer grilling MVP for so many reasons:

Lightning fast: Just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes on the grill – dinner’s done before the kids start asking “When’s food ready?”
Flavor explosion: The honey caramelizes into this gorgeous glaze while the pineapple gives it that perfect sweet-tangy kick
Healthy but doesn’t taste like it: Lean protein with natural sweetness – no guilt seconds here!
Foolproof: Even if you’ve never grilled before, this marinade makes the chicken so forgiving
Summer in every bite: One taste and you’ll swear you’re eating at a beachside tiki bar

Ingredients for Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tropical flavor bomb – I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have in your kitchen! The magic happens when these basic ingredients come together:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total – look for even thickness so they cook evenly)
1 cup pineapple juice (fresh squeezed is amazing if you’ve got it, but the bottled stuff works in a pinch)
1/4 cup honey (local honey adds extra flavor, but any kind will do)
2 tbsp soy sauce (I use low-sodium to control the saltiness)
2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best – that pre-minced jarred stuff just doesn’t have the same punch)
1 tsp ginger, grated (keep a knob in your freezer – it grates so easily when frozen!)
1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked makes all the difference)
1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the grill – helps prevent sticking)
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh is incredible when in season, but drained canned pineapple works great too)

See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that transform into something magical on the grill. Now let’s make some chicken!

How to Make Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

Alright, let’s get grilling! This recipe comes together so easily, but I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make sure your chicken turns out juicy and packed with flavor every single time. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be the hero of your next backyard barbecue!

Marinating the Chicken

First things first – we’re going to give that chicken a flavor bath it won’t forget! In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the whisking – you want that honey completely dissolved and everything well combined.

Now, place your chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag (or a shallow dish if you prefer) and pour that gorgeous marinade right over them. Seal it up tight, give it a little massage to make sure every inch gets coated, and pop it in the fridge. Here’s my pro tip: at least 30 minutes is good, but if you can swing it, let it go for 2-4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more that sweet-tangy flavor soaks in!

Grilling the Chicken

When you’re ready to cook, fire up your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). While it’s heating, take the chicken out of the fridge to take the chill off – about 10 minutes should do it. Grab your trusty tongs and a basting brush, and don’t forget to oil those grates! A quick brush with olive oil will keep your chicken from sticking.

Now, place those beautiful marinated chicken breasts on the grill. You should hear that satisfying sizzle! Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, and here’s the important part – baste with the reserved marinade (don’t use what touched raw chicken!) during the last few minutes of cooking. That’s when the magic happens – the honey caramelizes into this incredible sticky-sweet glaze that’ll make your taste buds dance.

About 2-3 minutes before the chicken is done, toss those pineapple chunks right on the grill alongside it. They’ll get those gorgeous grill marks and a little caramelization that takes them to the next level. When the chicken reaches 165°F internally (or the juices run clear), you’re golden! Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing – I know it’s hard to wait, but this keeps all those delicious juices right where they belong.

Tips for Perfect Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

After making this recipe more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without tips for the best results every time:

Marinate overnight when possible – that extra time lets the flavors really penetrate the chicken (I’ve even done 24 hours with amazing results!)
Fresh pineapple juice makes a noticeable difference – just whiz some chunks in a blender and strain
Adjust honey to taste – start with 1/4 cup and add more if you like it sweeter
Don’t skip the resting time – those 5 minutes after grilling make all the difference in juiciness
Watch the grill closely – honey burns easily, so keep the heat medium-high, not scorching hot

Oh! And if you get distracted and the glaze starts getting too dark (we’ve all been there), just move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill or lower the heat. No stress – it’ll still taste amazing!

Serving Suggestions for Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

Now that you’ve got this gorgeous honey pineapple grilled chicken, let’s talk about how to serve it up like a pro! I love pairing it with sides that keep those tropical vibes going strong. Here are my go-to combinations that always get rave reviews:

Coconut rice – The creamy coconut flavor is absolute magic with the sweet-tangy chicken (just stir a spoonful of coconut milk into your rice while it cooks)
Grilled veggie skewers – Bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions take on amazing flavor when kissed by the grill
Mango avocado salad – The fresh, creamy combo cuts through the richness perfectly
Pineapple fried rice – Double down on that pineapple goodness!

For garnishes, I always keep it simple but impactful. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a bright pop, while some toasted coconut flakes bring extra texture. If you want a little heat, thinly sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha balance the sweetness beautifully. And don’t forget to serve extra grilled pineapple chunks on the side – they disappear fast at my house!

Pro tip: For a fun presentation, serve the chicken on a platter with all the grilled pineapple piled on top, then let everyone dig in family-style. It makes even a weeknight dinner feel like a special occasion!

Storing and Reheating Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

Listen, I know this chicken is so good you’ll probably want to eat it all in one sitting (no judgment!). But if you do happen to have leftovers – or if you’re smart like me and make extra on purpose – here’s how to keep that tropical flavor going strong:

First, let your grilled chicken cool completely before storing (but don’t leave it out more than 2 hours – food safety first!). I like to tuck it into an airtight container with any extra pineapple chunks and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for 3-4 days – though in my house, it never lasts that long!

Now, reheating is where many people go wrong with grilled chicken. Whatever you do, skip the microwave unless you want rubbery, sad chicken. My two favorite methods:

Oven method: Preheat to 325°F, place chicken on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10-15 minutes (cover loosely with foil to keep it moist)
Skillet method: Heat a tiny bit of oil or butter in a pan over medium-low, add chicken, and warm gently for 3-4 minutes per side

Here’s my secret weapon: drizzle a little extra pineapple juice over the chicken while reheating to keep it juicy and refreshed those tropical flavors. And if you’ve got any leftover glaze? Warm it up and brush it on at the end for that just-grilled taste!

Oh – and if you want to freeze it? Go for it! Just wrap individual portions tightly in foil or freezer bags (remove as much air as possible). It’ll keep for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Not quite as perfect as fresh-off-the-grill, but still way better than takeout when you need a quick meal!

Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it to match your mood or what’s in your pantry! Here are my favorite ways to mix it up – I’ve tried them all and each one brings something special to the table:

Thigh lovers unite: Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer darker meat (they stay extra juicy on the grill – just cook to 175°F internal temp)
Spice it up: Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the marinade for a sweet-heat combo that’ll wake up your taste buds
Maple magic: Out of honey? Pure maple syrup makes an amazing substitute with its rich, caramel notes (use the same amount)
Teriyaki twist: Replace half the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for deeper umami flavor
Citrus splash: Add 1 tbsp lime or orange zest to the marinade for a bright, fresh kick
Smoky vibes: Toss a handful of wood chips (hickory or applewood are perfect) on your charcoal for that authentic barbecue flavor

My husband’s favorite variation? Adding a splash of dark rum to the marinade – just 1-2 tablespoons gives it this incredible depth that makes it taste like vacation in every bite. Just don’t tell the kids about that version!

Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken FAQs

I get asked about this recipe all the time – here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen and inbox:

Can I bake this instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, basting halfway through. You won’t get those gorgeous grill marks, but the flavor will still be amazing. For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 30 minutes gets you decent flavor, but 2-4 hours is my sweet spot. Overnight is even better! Just don’t go beyond 24 hours – the pineapple juice can start breaking down the chicken too much.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes! Drained canned pineapple works perfectly fine in both the marinade and for grilling. Just make sure to reserve the juice from the can for the marinade – it’s liquid gold! Fresh pineapple has slightly brighter flavor, but canned is a great pantry staple option.

What if I don’t have pineapple juice?

No worries! You can make your own by blending pineapple chunks and straining, or use orange juice as a substitute (the flavor will be different but still delicious). In a real pinch, apple juice with a squeeze of lemon works too.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer – it should read 165°F in the thickest part. No thermometer? Cut into the thickest piece – the juices should run clear with no pink. And remember, it’ll keep cooking a bit as it rests!

Nutritional Information for Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I do love knowing what’s going into my body – especially when it tastes this good! Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each serving of this tropical delight. Just remember, these numbers can vary a bit depending on your exact ingredients (like how much marinade sticks to the chicken or whether you use fresh vs canned pineapple).

Per serving (that’s one juicy chicken breast with about 1/4 cup of those caramelized pineapple chunks):

Calories: Around 280
Protein: A whopping 30g – perfect for keeping you full and satisfied
Carbohydrates: About 24g (mostly from that sweet honey and pineapple goodness)
Sugar: 18g (natural sugars from the fruit and honey)
Fat: Just 6g (and most of that’s the good unsaturated kind from the olive oil)

Not too shabby for something that tastes like dessert, right? The pineapple gives you a nice vitamin C boost, while the chicken packs in lean protein. And that honey? Well, it makes everything better – that’s just science!

So what are you waiting for? Fire up that grill and try this recipe tonight – then come back and tell me how your family loved it! Snap a pic of your golden, glazed chicken and tag me – I live for seeing your kitchen creations!