Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken: A Taste of Hawaii at Home

Imagine the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean, the gentle breeze carrying the scent of the sea, and the sweet sound of ukuleles in the background. Now, transport that feeling to your kitchen with a dish that embodies the spirit of the Hawaiian islands—Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken. This recipe, by Averie Sunshine, captures the essence of tropical flavors in a dish that is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or even a simple weeknight dinner. With just a few key ingredients and minimal prep time, you can bring the taste of Hawaii to your table, no matter where you are.

The Magic of Pineapple and Chicken

Pineapple is the star of this dish, adding a natural sweetness that complements the savory, juicy chicken. Grilling the pineapple caramelizes its sugars, enhancing its flavor and providing a beautiful contrast to the seasoned chicken. The combination of the tangy marinade, the char from the grill, and the sweet pineapple creates a harmony of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Chicken, on the other hand, is a versatile protein that takes on the flavors of the marinade beautifully. When grilled, it becomes tender and juicy, with a slightly smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the pineapple. The thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts used in this recipe cook quickly, making this dish a convenient option for any meal.

The Perfect Marinade

The marinade is where the magic begins. It’s a simple blend of everyday ingredients that, when combined, create a flavorful bath for the chicken to soak in. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ketchup: This adds a sweet and tangy base to the marinade, helping to create a nice glaze on the chicken as it grills.
• Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce: This brings a salty, umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the ketchup and pineapple.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken and pineapple on the grill.
• Olive Oil: Ensures the chicken stays moist and adds a rich flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
• Ground Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy undertone that complements the tropical flavors.
• Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and pineapple.

This marinade is not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare. Simply combine all the ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag, add the chicken, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for more intense flavor. The longer the chicken marinates, the more it will absorb the delicious blend of flavors.

Grilling to Perfection

Grilling is where this dish truly shines. The high heat of the grill caramelizes the sugars in the marinade and the pineapple, creating a beautiful char that adds depth to the dish. Whether you’re using an outdoor gas grill or an indoor grill pan, the key is to preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Once the grill is ready, it’s time to cook the chicken and pineapple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken turns out perfectly:

1. Prepare the Chicken and Pineapple: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Dunk the pineapple spears into the leftover marinade in the bag before placing them on the grill as well. Discard the marinade to avoid cross-contamination.
2. Grill the Chicken: Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on the first side with the lid closed. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents it from drying out. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes on the second side, again with the lid closed. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, so using a digital thermometer is a good idea to ensure it’s cooked through.
3. Grill the Pineapple: Rotate the pineapple spears every 2 to 3 minutes, making sure all sides touch the grill grates. This not only ensures that the pineapple is evenly caramelized but also that any bacteria from the marinade is killed during cooking.
4. Serve: Once the chicken and pineapple are done, optionally garnish the chicken with thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while everything is hot and juicy.

Tips for Success

• Marinating Time: While 30 minutes is the minimum marinating time, if you have the time, let the chicken marinate overnight. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it will be.
• Grilling Pineapple: Pineapple has a high sugar content, so it can burn quickly. Keep an eye on it while it’s on the grill and rotate it often to prevent burning.
• Indoor Grilling: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken and pineapple as directed. You won’t get the same smoky flavor as an outdoor grill, but the results will still be delicious.
• Serving Ideas: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with coconut rice, a fresh green salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers (though they might disappear quickly!), the chicken and pineapple will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. The pineapple may become slightly softer when reheated, but it will still be delicious.

Nutrition Information

This recipe is not only tasty but also relatively healthy. Each serving is approximately 479 calories, with 55g of protein, making it a great option for those looking for a high-protein meal. The sugar content is higher due to the pineapple and brown sugar in the marinade, but these are natural sugars that are balanced by the other ingredients.

• Calories: 479kcal
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 55g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 1507mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 22g

Keep in mind that these values are automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. The actual nutritional content can vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.

Bringing Hawaii to Your Table

The beauty of this Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it captures the essence of Hawaii with just a few ingredients. It’s a dish that feels special, yet it’s easy enough to make any night of the week. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, planning a tropical-themed dinner, or simply craving a taste of the islands, this recipe will not disappoint.

The combination of juicy, tender chicken with sweet, caramelized pineapple is a match made in heaven. Every bite is a reminder of warm, sunny days, making it the perfect recipe to bring a little bit of Hawaii to your table, no matter where you are. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to be transported to the islands with this delicious and easy Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken.

Enjoy your tropical culinary adventure!