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Okay, so, let's be real. Weeknight dinners can be a total drag, right? The whole 'what's for dinner?' question looming over you like a dark cloud. I get it. Trust me, I've been there. That's why I'm always on the hunt for recipes that are both easy AND exciting. This Teriyaki Pineapple Grilled Chicken is exactly that. It’s a dish that feels like a vacation on a plate, but it's simple enough to throw together even when you're running on fumes. It's a total win-win, I think. I remember the first time I made this for my family. My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, devoured it! They even asked for seconds – a truly miraculous event in our household.
The key to this recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The teriyaki marinade, infused with the tangy sweetness of pineapple juice, creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. The grilled pineapple slices add another layer of flavor and texture, complementing the juicy, tender chicken. Plus, grilling is such a fantastic way to cook – it adds that smoky char that you just can’t get any other way. One of my favorite things is that you can easily adapt this recipe to your own taste. Not a fan of pineapple? Try using mango or peaches instead! Want to add a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade will do the trick.
Required Equipments
Grill
Grilling tongs
Mixing bowl
Ziplock bag or dish
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife
Teriyaki Pineapple Grilled Chicken: A Taste of Paradise: Frequently Asked Questions
Teriyaki Pineapple Grilled Chicken: A Taste of Paradise
Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this Teriyaki Pineapple Grilled Chicken recipe. Sweet pineapple, savory teriyaki, and perfectly grilled chicken come together in a symphony of flavors that's sure to become a family favorite.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
First things first, let’s get that marinade going! In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined. I sometimes add a little bit of rice vinegar to brighten up the flavors.
Now, grab your chicken breasts and place them in a ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the teriyaki marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Ideally, let it marinate for a few hours, or even overnight, for the best flavor. Trust me, the longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes. It's a matter of marinate patience!
While the chicken is marinating, prepare your pineapple. Peel the pineapple and cut it into thick slices, about 1/2 inch thick. You can also use canned pineapple slices if you’re in a hurry, but fresh pineapple really does make a difference. I mean, just picture that charred fresh pineapple.
Time to fire up the grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don't have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop will work just fine too. Just make sure it’s nice and hot before you start cooking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Be sure to turn them gently to avoid any sticking.
Add the pineapple slices to the grill during the last few minutes of cooking time. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they have nice grill marks and are slightly caramelized. Keep a close eye on them – they can burn quickly!
Once the chicken and pineapple are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful chicken. I usually cover it loosely with foil.
Serve the Teriyaki Pineapple Grilled Chicken with the grilled pineapple slices. You can also drizzle some extra teriyaki sauce over the top for added flavor. It's fantastic served with rice, quinoa, or a simple salad. Oh, and if you're feeling fancy, a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some chopped green onions adds a nice touch!
Leftovers (if there ARE any leftovers)? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or skillet. Add a touch of water while reheating if the chicken dries out.
📝 Notes
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for best flavor.
Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey to your liking.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.