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Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken
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Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant, tropical-inspired dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Featuring tender chicken marinated in a bold blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, lime, and oil, then grilled alongside caramelized fresh pineapple slices. This recipe is quick to prepare, healthy, and ideal for gatherings or weeknight dinners, delivering a delicious taste that transports you straight to a tropical paradise.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 to 2 lbs)

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 teaspoon hot sauce

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 1 fresh pineapple, sliced into rings or rounds
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Thinly sliced green onions (optional)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce or tamari, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, fresh lime juice, and olive or sesame oil until the sugar dissolves and all ingredients blend into a balanced sweet-savory mixture.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  3. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and help achieve beautiful grill marks on the chicken.
  4. Grill the Pineapple and Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces and fresh pineapple slices on the grill. Cook chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Grill pineapple slices for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until caramelized with grill marks and juicy softness.
  5. Assemble and Rest: Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain moisture. Slice the grilled pineapple and arrange it on top of or alongside the chicken before serving to highlight the vibrant flavors.

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple for the best caramelization and texture; canned pineapple will not caramelize properly.
  • Allow chicken to rest after grilling to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Maintain medium-high grill temperature to avoid burning the sugars in the marinade while locking in juiciness.
  • For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken longer, up to 4 hours maximum.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, pineapple chicken, tropical chicken recipe, aloha chicken, pineapple marinade, easy grilled chicken, healthy chicken dinner

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/aloha-grilled-pineapple-chicken-2/