Grilled Pineapple Barbecue Chicken
Sharon Brown
As a food enthusiast, I believe every great meal starts with the right combination of flavors. When I find myself dreaming of sunny skies and a grill fired up in the backyard, one dish often floats to the top of my mind: Grilled Pineapple Barbecue Chicken.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal
- 1 tbsp chopped scallions – for a fresh savory finish
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice – use unsweetened for natural tropical tang
- 1 tsp Sriracha optional – adjust to taste for heat
- 1.33 lbs chicken breast boneless and skinless – sliced or left whole based on cooking method
- 1 garlic clove finely minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice – adds brightness and balances the sweetness
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce – preferably a low-sugar variety for better balance
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated or minced
- 2 cups fresh pineapple cut into thin slices
- 2 tbsp soy sauce – for umami depth
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by creating a marinade that will give the chicken its delicious flavor. In a mixing bowl, combine the pineapple juice, minced garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, Sriracha (if using), and fresh ginger. Whisk until well blended.
Next, add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. But if you can wait a few hours, go for it! This step infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill
While your chicken is soaking up those tasty flavors, it’s time to prepare your grill. Preheat it to medium-high heat. If you're using a charcoal grill, you want to get that juicy, smoky flavor going. A gas grill will work just fine, too; just make sure those grates are nice and hot!
Step 3: Grill the Pineapple
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Now, onto the star of the show! Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. To ensure it's done, your chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For an extra layer of flavor, brush some of your favorite barbecue sauce on the chicken in the last few minutes of grilling.
Step 5: Serve
Once cooked, add the grilled chicken to a serving platter, topped with the grilled pineapple slices. You can drizzle extra barbecue sauce over the top or serve it on the side for dipping. Trust me, the sweet and savory combination is simply irresistible!
Here are a few tips to perfect your grilled pineapple barbecue chicken:
Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for chicken breasts that are uniform in size for even cooking
- Marinate Longer: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be
- Use Fresh Pineapple: Canned pineapple lacks the freshness and texture you want for grilling
- Rest After Grilling: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices
Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to try different barbecue sauces to find your favorite flavor profile
Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 34gFat: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 12g
Keyword Grilled Pineapple Barbecue Chicken