Irresistible Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe

Every backyard barbecue needs a special grilled aloha chicken that transports you straight to tropical paradise.

Sweet pineapple caramelizes beautifully when kissed by flame-licked grates.

Juicy chicken marinates in a zesty blend of island-inspired spices that dance across your palate.

Bright citrus notes complement the smoky undertones of perfectly charred meat.

Hawaiian-style seasonings create an unexpected depth of flavor that surprises and delights.

Summer gatherings call for dishes that spark conversation and create memorable moments.

You’ll want to serve this vibrant dish that brings sunshine to your plate.

Why Grilled Aloha Chicken And Pineapple Is A Must-Try

• Savor Tropical Flavor Explosion: This recipe bursts with sweet and tangy Hawaiian-inspired flavors that transport your taste buds to a beachside paradise without leaving your backyard.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Enjoyment: With a simple marinade and quick grilling technique, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
• Healthy Grilling Delight: Lean chicken combined with fresh pineapple offers a nutritious meal packed with protein and natural sweetness, making it a guilt-free option for health-conscious food lovers.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe works brilliantly for summer barbecues, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, appealing to both adults and kids with its irresistible caramelized grilled components.

What’s Needed For Grilled Aloha Chicken And Pineapple

• Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs the sweet and tangy marinade for a juicy, flavorful result. Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking.

• Soy Sauce, Pineapple Juice: Provide a salty-sweet base that tenderizes the chicken and adds depth of flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce works well for less salt.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramelization and sweetness to the marinade. Dark brown sugar offers a richer taste.
• Ketchup: Brings tangy sweetness and helps create a glossy coating on the chicken.
• Vinegar: Helps tenderize the meat and balance the sweetness of other ingredients.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces a nutty, aromatic flavor to the marinade.
• Garlic, Ginger: Classic Asian-inspired aromatics that add bold, fresh flavor. Fresh is always best for maximum taste.

• Olive Oil: Used to brush pineapple slices for even grilling and preventing sticking.
• Pineapple Slices: Adds tropical sweetness and creates a beautiful charred accompaniment. Fresh pineapple provides the best flavor and texture.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and enhances the overall seasoning of the dish.

Steps To Make Grilled Aloha Chicken And Pineapple

Step 1: Craft Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Pineapple juice
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger
• Cracked black pepper

Blend ingredients until sugar dissolves completely, creating a vibrant, tangy sauce.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Bath

Transfer chicken to a sealed container or heavy-duty plastic bag. Pour marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets coated. Seal tightly and refrigerate. Let flavors mingle for minimum 2 hours or overnight for maximum taste explosion.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Clean grates thoroughly to prevent sticking. Lightly brush fresh pineapple rings with olive oil, setting them aside for grilling.

Step 4: Sizzle the Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place chicken on hot grill, cooking each side for 5-7 minutes. Brush with reserved marinade occasionally to boost flavor and moisture. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken has beautiful golden-brown grill marks.

Step 5: Caramelize Pineapple Rings

Place oiled pineapple rings directly on grill. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until edges become wonderfully charred and caramelized. The natural sugars will create a gorgeous golden crust.

Step 6: Plate Your Tropical Masterpiece

Arrange grilled chicken alongside caramelized pineapple rings. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for an extra pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestion: Perfect with coconut rice or grilled vegetable medley.

Helpful Advice For Grilled Aloha Chicken And Pineapple

• Boost Marinade Flavor: Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a safe, delicious basting sauce during grilling, ensuring maximum taste without cross-contamination risks.
• Perfect Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, guaranteeing juicy chicken that's fully cooked at 165°F without drying out the meat.
• Enhance Pineapple Grilling: Brush pineapple slices with olive oil to prevent sticking and create beautiful caramelized grill marks that add depth to the tropical flavor profile.
• Prep Ahead Advantage: Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor infusion, allowing the sweet and savory ingredients to fully penetrate the meat for a more delicious result.
• Gluten-Free Modification: Swap traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make this recipe completely gluten-free while maintaining the rich, umami taste.

Keep Grilled Aloha Chicken And Pineapple Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover grilled chicken and pineapple in airtight containers within two hours of cooking.
• Properly stored chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its juicy texture and delicious flavor.
• Wrap the chicken separately from the pineapple to prevent moisture transfer and preserve their individual tastes.
• Freeze extra portions for up to 3 months by placing the cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently to maintain its moisture and prevent drying out.
• When reheating, use a microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth or marinade to keep the meat tender and prevent it from becoming tough or rubbery.

Best Matches For Grilled Aloha Chicken And Pineapple

• Pair with Tropical Cocktail: Mix a refreshing Hawaiian Mai Tai or pineapple mojito to complement the sweet and tangy grilled chicken flavors, enhancing the tropical essence of the dish.
• Serve with Coconut Rice: Prepare fluffy coconut rice as a perfect side that absorbs the marinade's rich flavors and provides a creamy contrast to the grilled chicken and pineapple.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the marinade's sweetness and balance the smoky grilled notes, creating a harmonious dining experience.
• Add Fresh Island Slaw: Create a zesty cabbage slaw with mango, cilantro, and lime juice to provide a crunchy, bright accompaniment that complements the grilled chicken's caramelized exterior.

Change Up Grilled Aloha Chicken And Pineapple

• Tropical Teriyaki Fusion: Swap out soy sauce for teriyaki sauce and add a splash of coconut milk to the marinade for a creamy, island-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Mango Madness: Replace pineapple juice with fresh mango puree and add a touch of sriracha or red pepper flakes for a fiery kick that brightens the dish.
• Hawaiian Herb Garden: Incorporate fresh chopped cilantro, mint, and green onions into the marinade, then garnish with additional herbs for a vibrant, aromatic experience.
• Coconut Rum Infusion: Substitute some pineapple juice with coconut rum, adding depth and a subtle boozy note that complements the sweet and savory elements of the chicken.

FAQ Guide For Grilled Aloha Chicken And Pineapple

• Why use pineapple juice in the marinade?

Pineapple juice contains enzymes that help tenderize the chicken, making it more juicy and flavorful. The natural acidity breaks down protein fibers, resulting in a more tender meat.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! This marinade works great with chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Just adjust cooking time based on the cut and thickness of the chicken.

• Is sesame oil necessary for the recipe?

While not mandatory, sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the Hawaiian-style marinade. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mild olive oil, though the taste profile will be slightly different.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking, keeping the meat juicy and tender.

Grilled Aloha Chicken And Pineapple Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hawaiian sunshine meets backyard grilling with this mouthwatering Aloha Chicken and Pineapple recipe. Juicy marinated chicken and caramelized pineapple slices combine for a tropical feast that transports taste buds to island paradise.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinades and Sauces:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) pineapple juice
• ⅓ cup (66 grams) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Fruits and Oils:

• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by blending soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cracked black pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring each portion is evenly coated. Seal in a resealable container or zip-top bag, then refrigerate for a minimum of two hours or ideally overnight to maximize flavor absorption.
3. Prepare the grill by heating to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal cooking environment for achieving perfect caramelization and char marks.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving a small portion for basting. Place chicken on the hot grill, cooking for approximately 5-7 minutes per side while periodically brushing with reserved marinade to enhance moisture and flavor intensity.
5. Check chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F for safe consumption. The meat should display beautiful golden-brown grill marks and emit a tantalizing aroma.
6. Lightly brush pineapple slices with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote caramelization. Grill pineapple for 2-3 minutes on each side until edges turn golden and develop slight char lines.
7. Transfer grilled chicken and pineapple to a serving platter, allowing the meat to rest briefly before slicing. The result is a harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors characteristic of Hawaiian-inspired cuisine.

Notes

• Swap soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option that maintains the sweet-savory Hawaiian flavor profile.
• Reserve some marinade separately before adding raw chicken to safely use as a basting liquid or sauce without cross-contamination risks.
• Marinating chicken for longer than 8 hours might break down protein fibers, making meat mushy, so stick to 2-6 hour window for best texture.
• Include fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions as a bright, fresh garnish to complement the rich, caramelized grilled flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg