Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Grilled pineapple chicken and grilled pinapple rings on a plate with cilantro lime rice on the side.

Grilling season is upon us and I’m betting this Grilled Pineapple Chicken will quickly become a favorite. Sweet, smoky, healthy and SO easy to make.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read my disclosure policy.

This recipe was inspired by a recent dish I had at a restaurant. The chicken was sweet and charred and served alongside grilled pineapple and peppers. I knew I had to recreate it at home.

And of course share it with you all. This Grilled Pineapple Chicken features a simple pineapple marinade and your outdoor grill (or grill pan).

It’s a little sweet, a little citrusy and a little smoky. Perfect for easy and light grilling all spring and summer long.

Grilled chicken and pineapple on a platter with a bowl of cilantro lime rice on the side.

Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken

The ingredient list is pretty simple for this recipe. Here’s what you are going to need:

  • Chicken: You can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Both will be tasty.
  • Canned pineapple rings: You’ll use the juice in the can in the marinade and grill the pineapple rings to serve with the chicken.
  • Lime: To add some acid and zing to the marinade. It helps balance out the sweetness as well.
  • Brown sugar: Adds a caramelized flavor to the marinade as the chicken and pineapple grill.
  • Chili powder: Makes for a more complex flavor and adds a little spice to the chicken.
  • Fresh garlic: Because garlic always makes things better.
Close up of grilled chicken.

Marinade the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together the juice from the canned pineapple, lime juice, brown sugar, chili powder and minced garlic.

Place chicken in a bag. I like to use these reusable zip top bags. Pour the marinade over the chicken, let out as much air as possible and seal the bag.

Marinade for at least 3 hours or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

Grill the Chicken

Once the chicken has been marinaded it’s grilling time. Preheat your grill to medium high heat, around 400 degrees.

Add the chicken and pineapple rings to the grill. Discard the marinade.

Grill the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your chicken. The pineapple rings will take about 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Piece of grilled chicken topped with two grilled pineapple rings and cilantro lime rice on the side.

How to Serve

There are so many ways to enjoy this delicious pineapple chicken. We served it with my instant pot cilantro lime rice to make an easy weeknight meal of it.

You can also dice it up and throw it on top of a salad to add some protein or use it to make lettuce wraps.

If you wanted to whip up a pineapple salsa to put on top, that would be delicious as well.

Platter with 4 grilled chicken breasts and a pile of grilled pineapple rings.

More Easy Grilling Recipes

Grilled pineapple chicken and grilled pinapple rings on a plate with cilantro lime rice on the side.
Print
No ratings yet

Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Grilling season is upon us and I'm betting this Grilled Pineapple Chicken will quickly become a favorite. Sweet, smoky, healthy and SO easy to make.
Prep Time8 hours
Active Time12 minutes
Total Time8 hours 12 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pineapple chicken
Yield: 4 servings
Author: Meghan Payne-Hensley

Ingredients

  • 20 ounce can pineapple rings
  • 1 large lime, juiced
  • 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Instructions

  • In a bowl, whisk together the juice from the canned pineapple, lime juice, brown sugar, chili powder and garlic. Refrigerate pineapple rings for later.
  • Place the chicken in a zip top bag. Pour marinade over the chicken. Seal bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight.
  • Preheat grill to medium high heat (around 400 degrees). Once hot, add chicken to grill and pineapple to the grill. Cook chicken for 5 to 6 minutes, until no longer pink inside. Grill pineapple 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Processing…
Success! You're on the list.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating