Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
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Every once in a while, a recipe comes along that just feels like summer. Bright flavors, a little sweetness, something sizzling on the grill… and suddenly dinner feels like a mini vacation.
This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken is exactly that kind of recipe.
The secret ingredient here is Pineapple Balsamic Vinegar. If you’ve tasted it in the shop, you already know how special it is. It has that tropical pineapple flavor with just the right balance of sweetness and tang, and it works beautifully in marinades.
When you combine it with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a little ginger, it creates a marinade that’s sweet, savory, and full of flavor. As the chicken grills, that marinade caramelizes just enough to form a glossy glaze that makes the chicken incredibly juicy and flavorful.
And then there’s the grilled pineapple.
If you’ve never grilled fresh pineapple before, you’re in for a treat. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars and gives it a slightly smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
I like serving this over a bowl of warm white rice so all those wonderful juices and glaze have somewhere to go. Add a sprinkle of green onions on top and suddenly you’ve got a dish that feels colorful, fresh, and a little tropical.
It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for summer evenings, backyard dinners, or anytime you want something easy that still feels a little special.
And if you close your eyes while taking the first bite… you might almost hear the ocean.
Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Main Courses
Author:
Servings
Serves 4
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
12 minutes
This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken features tender grilled chicken marinated in Pineapple Balsamic Vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Served with caramelized grilled pineapple and fluffy rice, this dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tropical flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
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4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
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2 green onions, sliced for garnish
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Cooked white rice, for serving
Marinade/Glaze
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¼ cup Pineapple Balsamic Vinegar
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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2 tablespoons Franklin Raw Honey or brown sugar
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2 tablespoons Garlic Olive Oil (or Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional)
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
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Add red bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch
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Serve with coconut rice instead of plain rice
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Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish
Directions
In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine the Pineapple Balsamic Vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Add the chicken and coat well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Lightly brush the pineapple rings with oil and grill for 2–3 minutes per side, until caramelized. Remove and set aside.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill.
Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely glazed.
If desired, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan and simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened to create an extra glaze.
Serve the grilled chicken over warm white rice, top with grilled pineapple, and sprinkle with green onions.
Drizzle with additional glaze if desired.
Recipe Note
Tracey’s Notes
- Pineapple Balsamic Vinegar gives this marinade its bright, tropical flavor and helps create a beautiful glaze on the chicken.
- Chicken thighs stay extra juicy on the grill, but breasts work perfectly as well.
- This recipe is wonderful for summer grilling or easy weeknight dinners.