Elevate your grilling game with the vibrant and tantalizing flavors of Chili Pineapple Grilled Chicken. This dish blends the sweetness of pineapple with the zesty kick of chili sauce, creating a glaze that perfectly enhances tender, juicy chicken. Ideal for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. Here’s how you can make this delicious and succulent grilled chicken.

Ingredients:

2 lb chicken

1 cup sweet chili sauce
¼ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup honey

Directions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, pineapple juice, and honey until well combined. Set aside ¼ cup of the sauce for later use. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to infuse.

2. Preheat the Grill:

Heat your grill to medium-high heat. While waiting for the grill to reach the desired temperature, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade.

3. Grill the Chicken:

Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. Apply the Glaze:

Brush the grilled chicken with the reserved marinade on each side. Grill for an additional minute per side, allowing the glaze to caramelize and form a delicious, sticky coating.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables or a fresh salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.

Prep Time: 5 min
Cooking Time: 15 min

Total Time: 20 min
Servings: 6

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

Serve Hot: For the best flavor and texture, enjoy your Chili Pineapple Grilled Chicken right off the grill while it’s still hot.
Pair with Sides: Complement the chicken with side dishes like grilled vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or steamed rice. A side of pineapple salsa or a tropical fruit salad can enhance the dish’s flavor profile.

Garnish: Consider garnishing with chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or green onions, for added freshness and visual appeal.
Serving Platter: Arrange the chicken on a serving platter with additional sauce or a small bowl of the reserved sauce for dipping.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing: If you want to keep the chicken longer, freeze it in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat leftover chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be cautious not to overheat it to avoid drying it out.

Prevent Drying: To prevent the chicken from drying out during reheating, you can brush it with a little reserved marinade or a splash of water before reheating.

By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll ensure that your Chili Pineapple Grilled Chicken remains flavorful and enjoyable, even as leftovers!

Variations:

Spicy Chili Pineapple Chicken
- Add Heat: For a spicier kick, add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or chopped jalapeños to the marinade. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
- Spicy Pineapple Salsa: Top the grilled chicken with a spicy pineapple salsa made with diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a hint of chopped chili peppers.
Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken
- Swap Sauces: Replace the sweet chili sauce with teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile. Combine with pineapple juice and honey for a teriyaki-pineapple glaze.
- Teriyaki Marinade: Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, and honey for at least 1 hour before grilling.
Coconut Pineapple Chicken
- Add Coconut: Mix 1/2 cup of coconut milk into the marinade for a tropical coconut flavor. Garnish the grilled chicken with toasted coconut flakes before serving.
- Coconut Marinade: Combine sweet chili sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and coconut milk. Marinate the chicken as usual.
Garlic Pineapple Chicken
- Add Garlic: Incorporate 2-3 cloves of minced garlic into the marinade for a robust garlic flavor.
- Garlic Sauce: Make a garlic pineapple sauce by adding minced garlic to the reserved sauce for basting during grilling.
Herb-Infused Pineapple Chicken
- Add Herbs: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or cilantro into the marinade for an aromatic twist.
- Herb Marinade: Combine sweet chili sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and your choice of herbs. Marinate the chicken to infuse it with herbal flavors.
Balsamic Pineapple Chicken
- Add Balsamic Vinegar: Substitute a portion of pineapple juice with balsamic vinegar for a tangy-sweet flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze: Brush the chicken with a balsamic glaze (made by reducing balsamic vinegar and honey) during the last few minutes of grilling.
Pineapple BBQ Chicken
- Add BBQ Sauce: Mix pineapple juice with your favorite BBQ sauce for a tropical BBQ flavor. Use this mixture as the marinade and glaze.
- BBQ Marinade: Combine sweet chili sauce with BBQ sauce and pineapple juice. Marinate the chicken and brush with BBQ sauce while grilling.
Citrus Pineapple Chicken
- Add Citrus: Incorporate the juice of 1 lime or 1 lemon into the marinade for a zesty, citrusy note.
- Citrus Marinade: Mix sweet chili sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and citrus juice. Marinate and grill as usual.
Maple Pineapple Chicken
- Add Maple Syrup: Substitute honey with pure maple syrup for a unique sweet flavor.
- Maple Marinade: Combine sweet chili sauce, pineapple juice, and maple syrup for a rich, sweet glaze.
Tropical Pineapple Chicken
- Add Tropical Fruits: Mix in diced mango or papaya with the pineapple in the marinade for added tropical flavors.
- Tropical Salsa: Serve the chicken with a tropical salsa made of pineapple, mango, red onion, and cilantro for a fruity accompaniment.

FAQs:

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate it for up to an hour.

Can I cook this chicken in the oven?
- Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Brush with the reserved sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.
What can I substitute for pineapple juice?
- Orange juice or apple juice can be used as alternatives if you don’t have pineapple juice on hand.
Can I use a different type of sweet sauce?
- Yes, you can substitute the sweet chili sauce with a honey garlic sauce or teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C).
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
What sides go well with this chicken?
- This chicken pairs well with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice. For a more tropical touch, consider serving with a side of coconut rice.

How can I add more sweetness to the glaze?
- Increase the amount of honey or add a splash of maple syrup to the marinade for a sweeter glaze.
Can I use this recipe for other meats?
- Absolutely! This marinade works well with pork chops, shrimp, or even tofu. Adjust cooking times according to the type of meat or protein used.

Enjoy making and savoring this flavorful Chili Pineapple Grilled Chicken. It’s a delightful addition to any summer meal or a quick and tasty option for busy weeknights!

Chili Pineapple Grilled Chicken

Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

Ingredients

2 lb chicken
1 cup sweet chili sauce

¼ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup honey

Instructions