Description
This Homemade Grilled Pineapple Chicken recipe offers a deliciously sweet and savory meal featuring juicy grilled chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of coconut aminos, pineapple juice, and spices. Paired with charred fresh pineapple slices and served over rice with fresh greens, it’s a perfect dish for a healthy and tropical-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, sliced into rounds, core removed
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts
Marinade
- ½ cup coconut aminos
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (or water)
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 4–6 pitted dates, soaked and softened
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
For Serving & Topping
- White or cauliflower rice
- Mixed greens
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a blender, combine coconut aminos, pineapple juice, tomato paste, soaked dates, garlic powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the blended marinade over the chicken thighs or breasts, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat Grill and Prepare Pineapple: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Arrange the pineapple slices on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a charred, caramelized surface and become sweet and tender.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side. Ensure the chicken is cooked through, with a slightly caramelized exterior from the marinade.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken and pineapple over white or cauliflower rice. Garnish with mixed greens and chopped green onions for freshness and added texture. Enjoy your tropical-inspired meal!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor and tenderness.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts, but thighs tend to retain juiciness better on the grill.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Adjust chili powder to taste if you prefer it milder or spicier.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to achieve those perfect grill marks and caramelization.
