Grilled Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Recipe
When summer calls, it’s time to flip the conventional BBQ script. Enter Grilled Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken—a blend of juicy, caramel-glazed chicken and sweet, charred pineapple that hits every flavor note. Each bite marries savory and tropical, enhanced by the bold, glossy teriyaki glaze that keeps the chicken unbelievably moist. Whether you're firing up the weekend grill or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish delivers island vibes with every smoky, sticky bite.
Why Grilled Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken?
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It’s a Summer Must-Have—savory chicken, sweet pineapple, and vibrant teriyaki sauce are a perfect BBQ match.
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Fast, Flavorful, and Family-Friendly—minimal ingredients, big impact—ready in under an hour.
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Adds a Tropical Touch to Regular Chicken, transforming simple chicken into a crowd-pleasing dish.
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Great for Meal Prep or entertaining—a reliable recipe that tastes as good the next day.
Tools That Make It Better
Over time, I’ve found that the right tools turn grilling from stressful to seamless. A Large Grill Basket keeps those slippery pineapple rings and chicken pieces from falling through, while a meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of perfectly juicy chicken. And a simple Grill Basting Mop? It’s essential for layering on that glossy teriyaki glaze as everything sizzles—making this dish not just good, but unforgettable.
Grilled Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken – Ingredients & Step-by-Step Procedure
Ingredients
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For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 1½ lb chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optionally fresh garlic)
- ½ tsp ground ginger or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- Salt & pepper to taste
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For the Pineapple:
- 1 fresh pineapple, sliced into rings or chunks
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Garnish (optional):
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: Combine marinade ingredients and coat chicken thoroughly. Let sit in fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
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Preheat the Grill: Aim for medium-high (around 400°F).
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Grill the Chicken: Cook on each side using Large Grill Basket for 5–7 minutes, until glaze caramelizes and internal temp hits 165°F.
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Grill the Pineapple: Cook pineapple rings/chunks for 2–3 minutes per side until you see those lovely char marks.
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Serve: Plate chicken and pineapple together, brushing with Grill Basting Mop for extra glaze on top, and sprinkle with garnish.
🍽 Perfect Pairings
- Coconut Rice or Jasmine Rice—to soak up that luscious teriyaki sauce.
- Tropical Slaw with cabbage, mango, or cilantro for a fresh crunch.
- Grilled Veggie Skewers—bell peppers, zucchini, or onions complement the sweet and smoky flavors.
🔥 Pro Grilling Tips
- Oil grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Marinate longer when possible—flavors deepen and chicken stays juicier.
- Watch the sugar content—cook low and slow to avoid burning glaze, turning halfway.
🌱 Nutritional Highlights
- Lean, protein-rich chicken
- Naturally gluten-free if using coconut aminos
- Pineapple brings vitamin C and bromelain, which helps tenderize meat
- Balanced in flavor and texture, making it a healthy and satisfying main
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes—just watch for faster cooking times and consider slightly longer marination for tenderness.
Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
Best results between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Avoid longer for delicate cuts to prevent texture changes.
Q: Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Absolutely—bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, then broil briefly to caramelize.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store chicken and pineapple in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Love this tropical twist on BBQ chicken?
🔥 Tell me your favorite way to grill fruit!
📌 Share this with your grill crew for summer vibes
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