Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken – Sweet, Smoky, and Juicy

Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is a tropical-inspired dish that’s bursting with flavor. Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a sweet and tangy honey-pineapple sauce, then grilled to perfection for a smoky, caramelized finish. Perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, this recipe is both easy and delicious, bringing a taste of the islands to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tropical Flavor – Pineapple and honey create a sweet, tangy marinade.
Grilled Perfection – Smoky char adds depth to the juicy chicken.
Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes (plus marinating time).
Healthy & Satisfying – High in protein with a naturally sweet glaze.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Fresh pineapple slices (optional, for grilling and garnish)

Instructions

1. Make the Marinade
   In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, ginger, and black pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken
   Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 8 hours for maximum flavor).
3. Preheat the Grill
   Heat grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken
   Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Optional Pineapple Slices
   Grill pineapple rings for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized.
6. Serve
   Plate chicken with grilled pineapple on top or on the side. Drizzle with extra marinade that has been simmered for a few minutes (never raw).

Nutritional Information

Calories: 260
Protein: 28g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugar: 19g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Marinate Longer – The longer the chicken soaks, the more flavorful it becomes.
• Don’t Overcook – Use a meat thermometer to keep the chicken juicy.
• Add Fresh Pineapple – Grilled pineapple adds a sweet, smoky garnish.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of honey and pineapple juice creates a naturally sweet and tangy marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Paired with smoky char and juicy chicken, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that feels both tropical and comforting.

Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is a flavorful, tropical-inspired dish that’s perfect for summer grilling or a quick weeknight dinner. With its sweet, tangy glaze and smoky char, it’s a recipe that delivers on both taste and simplicity.