Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup pineapple juice - 1/4 cup soy sauce You want tasty chicken, so I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They cook well and stay juicy. Pineapple juice adds sweetness and tartness. It also helps tenderize the chicken. Soy sauce gives the dish a nice salty kick. These three work together to create a flavorful base. - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger Honey adds a rich sweetness to the marinade. It balances the saltiness of the soy sauce. Garlic brings depth and aroma. Fresh ginger adds a zing that brightens the dish. All these flavors mix well and enhance the chicken. - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste Cornstarch is optional. If you want a thicker sauce, use it. Green onions give a fresh crunch and color. Sesame seeds add a nutty touch and nice texture. Don’t forget salt and pepper to season the chicken before grilling. These final touches make your dish pop! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, combine the marinade ingredients. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of pineapple juice, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Whisk until everything blends well. Next, add the 4 chicken thighs to the bowl. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Marinate for at least 1 hour. If you can, let it sit overnight. This gives the chicken time to soak up all those great flavors. Now, it's time to prepare the grill. If you have a gas grill, turn it on and set it to medium-high heat. For charcoal grills, light the coals and let them ash over. Aim for a medium heat level. The ideal grilling temperature is about 375°F to 450°F. This range helps get nice grill marks and cook the food evenly. First, let’s cook the pineapple rings. Place them on the grill for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You want to see those lovely grill marks, and the pineapple should caramelize a bit. After that, take the marinated chicken thighs out of the marinade. Let the extra marinade drip off, and season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the grill. Cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes per side. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. This process ensures you get tender, juicy chicken that pairs perfectly with the sweet pineapple. - How to achieve perfect grill marks: Start with a clean grill. Preheat it to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and don’t move it for 4-5 minutes. This helps create those lovely grill marks. Flip once and let it cook for another 6-8 minutes. - Avoiding dry chicken: Marinate the chicken for at least one hour. This keeps the chicken juicy. Also, don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken. - Methods for thickening teriyaki sauce: You can use cornstarch mixed with water. This is a quick way to thicken your sauce. Another option is to simmer it until it reduces. Both methods give you a rich, sticky sauce. - When to apply thickener: If you want a thicker sauce, do this while the chicken grills. Pour the leftover marinade into a saucepan. Bring it to a boil before adding the cornstarch mixture. Simmer it for a few minutes until it thickens. - Serving suggestions for a gourmet look: Use a nice platter for serving. Arrange the grilled chicken and pineapple neatly. Add extra pineapple rings and drizzle the thickened sauce over the top. It looks fresh and inviting. - Pairing options for a complete meal: Serve this dish with steamed rice or a vibrant salad. You can also add a refreshing drink, like iced tea or a fruity soda, to enhance the meal experience. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more delicious dish. Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple not only enhances the flavor but also contains enzymes that help tenderize the chicken. This will give you a juicier and more flavorful result compared to canned pineapple. Check Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to the right temperature. A medium-high heat is ideal for grilling chicken, as it helps achieve a nice char while keeping the inside juicy. Rest the Chicken: After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can switch proteins for this dish. Chicken thighs are great, but tofu works well for a vegetarian option. If you prefer pork, use pork chops or tenderloin. Both choices absorb flavors nicely. You can also play with fruits. While pineapple is sweet and tangy, mango adds a tropical twist. You might try peach slices for a juicy bite. Each fruit brings its own flavor and charm to the dish. To make your teriyaki sauce, combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. You can also try making a homemade version. Use equal parts soy sauce and honey, and add garlic and ginger to taste. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat. For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari. This keeps the flavor but fits special diets. This dish pairs well with many sides. Steamed rice is a classic choice. It soaks up the sauce and balances the sweet and savory flavors. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for crunch. For drinks, a light beer or iced tea complements the dish. A fruity cocktail also works well, adding a fun twist. These pairings enhance the meal and make it even more enjoyable. To store leftover grilled pineapple teriyaki chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Always remember to check for any bad smells before eating. You can freeze cooked chicken and pineapple for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, put them in freezer bags or containers. Make sure to squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. This dish can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warm, or use a microwave. For meal prep, cut the chicken and pineapple into portions. This makes it easy to grab and go. You can also mix the chicken with rice or veggies for a complete meal. Freezer-friendly options include marinating extra chicken to grill later. Just remember to label your bags with dates for easy tracking. You should marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. This helps the chicken absorb all the tasty flavors. For even better results, marinate it overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavor it gets. Just remember, too long may make it mushy. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They cook faster than thighs, so keep that in mind. Breasts have less fat, which means they may dry out quicker. Make sure to check the temperature often. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes per side. Fresh pineapple is best for this recipe. It adds a bright, juicy flavor. Canned or frozen pineapple can work but may lack that fresh taste. If you use canned, drain it well. Fresh pineapple also caramelizes nicely on the grill. To check if your chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh or breast. The safe cooking temperature is 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat and juicy. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. It should be white, with no pink inside. This recipe post covered everything you need for a tasty grilled chicken dish. We explored key ingredients, from chicken thighs to fresh ginger. I shared steps for marinating, grilling, and perfecting your sauce. You learned tips to avoid dry chicken and make your meal look gourmet. In the end, this dish is easy to customize and perfect for sharing. Try different flavors and sides to make it your own. Enjoy cooking and impress your family and friends!$

Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

A delicious and tropical dish featuring marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and served with caramelized pineapple.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 15

Total Time 1 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup pineapple juice
1 4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 whole fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
2 pieces green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until well combined. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to ash over to a medium heat.
Place the pineapple rings on the grill first, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side until you see grill marks and the pineapple caramelizes slightly. Remove from grill and set aside.
Take the marinated chicken thighs out of the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
While the chicken is grilling, if you want a thicker sauce, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil and then stir in cornstarch dissolved in a tablespoon of water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken on a plate, topped with the grilled pineapple rings and drizzled with the thickened teriyaki sauce.
Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a fresh finish.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, grilled, pineapple, teriyaki