Description
Hawaiian Grilled Chicken and Pineapple brings together tender marinated chicken and caramelized pineapple for a tropical BBQ favorite. Quick to prep and big on flavor, it’s perfect for summer nights or easy weeknight meals. Fire up the grill and enjoy this island-inspired classic today!
Ingredients
1½ pounds thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 fresh pineapple, cored and cut into 8 spears
Optional: thinly sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, lemon juice, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken breasts, seal, and gently massage the bag so marinade coats every piece.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for deeper flavor, leave it overnight in the fridge.
- Prep the Grill
- Preheat your outdoor gas grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Lightly brush grill grates or pan with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill Chicken and Pineapple
- Set the chicken on the grill, then dip the pineapple spears into the marinade bag to coat thoroughly before grilling them too.
- Discard the remaining marinade bag.
- Close lid and grill chicken for about 5 minutes.
- Flip chicken and pineapple. Continue cooking chicken 4–5 more minutes with lid closed, until internal temperature reaches 165 °F.
- Rotate pineapple spears every 2–3 minutes, ensuring each side gets grill marks and cooks evenly (and to kill any marinade bacteria).
- Finish & Garnish
- Transfer chicken and pineapple to a serving platter.
- Scatter sliced green onions over the top if using.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Marinate up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
Use a digital thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
Add grilled veggies or pair with rice for a complete meal.
For a vegetarian version, sub firm tofu or tempeh.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, BBQ
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast + pineapple
- Calories: 479 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 1507 mg
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 55g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg