Description
Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple is a tropical-inspired dish that brings together the smoky flavors of grilled chicken with the sweetness of pineapple. The marinade, infused with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of brown sugar, creates a deliciously savory-sweet experience. Grilling the chicken and pineapple caramelizes the sugars and brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit, making every bite a mouthwatering treat. Perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or a refreshing meal, this dish transports you to a tropical paradise with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for grilling
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling, offering lean protein and a tender texture when properly marinated.
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a tropical sweetness and slight tartness, balancing the savory flavors of the chicken.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds depth and umami to the marinade, giving the chicken a rich, savory flavor.
- Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics add a spicy, fragrant element to the marinade, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil imparts a nutty flavor, adding a touch of complexity to the marinade.
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- Mix the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, lime juice, salt, and pepper until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
Prepare the Pineapple:
- Prep the Pineapple: While the chicken marinates, peel and core the pineapple. Slice it into rings that are about 1-inch thick.
- Season the Pineapple: Lightly brush the pineapple rings with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Grill the Chicken and Pineapple:
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stove.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
- Grill the Pineapple: While the chicken is grilling, place the pineapple rings on the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the pineapple is caramelized with grill marks and slightly softened.
Serve:
- Assemble the Dish: Once the chicken and pineapple are grilled, arrange the chicken on plates and top with grilled pineapple rings. Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 30g