Tropical Luau: Sweet & Tangy Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe

Vibrant flavors dance across your plate with this tropical aloha chicken and pineapple recipe that captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine.

Sweet and tangy notes blend seamlessly in every succulent bite.

The juicy chicken marinates in a rich, zesty sauce that promises to awaken your taste buds.

Bursting with fresh pineapple chunks, this dish brings sunshine to your dining table.

Authentic island-inspired ingredients create a meal that transports you to a beachside paradise.

Tender meat and caramelized fruit combine in a delightful harmony of tropical tastes.

Prepare to savor a culinary journey that celebrates the bold, bright spirit of Hawaii.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Tropical Ingredients For Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple

• Soy Sauce: Provides rich, savory depth and helps tenderize the meat with its umami punch.
• Pineapple Juice: Adds tropical sweetness and natural meat tenderizing enzymes.
• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelization and balances the tangy and savory elements.
• Ketchup: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create a glossy marinade coating.
• Vinegar: Introduces bright acidity to brighten the overall flavor profile.
• Sesame Oil: Brings nutty, aromatic undertones that elevate the dish's complexity.

• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent flavor that complements the sweet and savory notes.
• Ginger: Offers a zesty, warm kick that pairs perfectly with Asian-inspired marinades.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and enhances the other spice elements.

• Chicken Thighs: Deliver juicy, tender meat that absorbs marinade beautifully.
• Fresh Pineapple: Provides natural sweetness and creates gorgeous caramelized grill marks.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent pineapple from sticking and promotes even grilling.

Tools To Fire Up Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple

• Grill: Essential for cooking chicken and pineapple with perfect char marks.
• Whisk: Needed to blend marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Zip-top bag or shallow dish: Critical for marinating chicken evenly.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken and pineapple slices on the grill.
• Mixing bowl: Used to combine marinade ingredients.
• Basting brush: Helps apply extra marinade while grilling for added flavor.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.

Grilling Steps For Chicken and Pineapple Combo

• Whip Up the Magic Marinade

Combine a splash of soy sauce, sweet pineapple juice, rich brown sugar, tangy ketchup, zesty vinegar, nutty sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a sprinkle of black pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir until everything blends into a flavor-packed liquid.

• Bathe the Chicken

Nestle chicken pieces into a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure every inch gets coated. Seal and let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to soak up all those incredible flavors.

• Fire Up the Grill

Crank the grill to medium-high heat. Brush pineapple slices with a light coating of olive oil, setting them aside for their moment of glory.

• Sizzle the Chicken

Lift the chicken from its marinade bath and place it on the hot grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, basting with leftover marinade to amp up the flavor. Keep grilling until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

• Caramelize the Pineapple

Toss those oiled pineapple slices onto the grill. Let them sizzle for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop beautiful golden-brown grill marks and a sweet, caramelized exterior.

Tips For Sweet And Savory Chicken and Pineapple

• Marinade Magic: Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a basting sauce, ensuring food safety while maximizing flavor intensity.
• Perfect Grill Marks: Pat chicken dry before grilling to achieve beautiful caramelization and prevent steam from ruining those gorgeous sear lines.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like stevia or erythritol for diabetic or ketogenic diet followers.
• Tropical Veggie Option: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version that absorbs the same incredible Hawaiian-inspired flavors.
• Indoor Cooking Hack: When outdoor grilling isn't possible, use a grill pan or broiler to achieve similar charred results with the same mouthwatering marinade.

Serve Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Fresh Off The Grill

• Tropical Dinner Date Night: Set a romantic Hawaiian-inspired table with tiki torches and colorful tropical linens for a fun dining experience.
• Island-Style Plating: Arrange grilled chicken and pineapple slices over a bed of coconut rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions for vibrant colors.
• Backyard Luau Spread: Create a summer barbecue feast by adding grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and serving with macadamia nut coleslaw on the side.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Slice remaining chicken and pineapple to top salads, stuff into tacos, or blend into a tropical smoothie for quick next-day meals.

Store Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Smartly

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Marinate chicken in advance during weekends, storing in freezer-safe bags for quick weeknight dinners. Label bags with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store cooked chicken and grilled pineapple separately in airtight containers. Keeps fresh for 34 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Leftover Transformation: Slice cold grilled chicken for salads, wrap fillings, or quick lunch bowls. Chopped pineapple works perfectly in morning smoothies or yogurt parfaits.
• Freezing Genius: Freeze marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before grilling. Consider portioning chicken into individual servings for effortless meal planning.

Tropical Aloha Chicken And Pineapple Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hawaiian-inspired grilled aloha chicken combines sweet and savory flavors in a tropical delight. Marinated chicken and caramelized pineapple slices create a perfect summer meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) soy sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) pineapple juice
• 1 fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, and sliced into rings)
• ⅓ cup (66 g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) ketchup
• 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) rice vinegar
• 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) apple cider vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) sesame oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) olive oil
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Whisk soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cracked black pepper in a bowl until seamlessly blended, creating a complex flavor profile.
2. Marinating Process: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Seal in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least two hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
3. Grill Preparation: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, establishing an optimal cooking surface for achieving caramelized exterior and juicy interior.
4. Grilling Technique: Extract chicken from marinade, reserving a small amount for basting. Position chicken on hot grill, cooking 5-7 minutes per side. Periodically brush with reserved marinade to intensify flavor and maintain moisture.
5. Temperature and Doneness: Verify chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Look for golden-brown grill marks and a tempting aroma indicating perfect cooking.
6. Pineapple Grilling: Lightly oil pineapple slices and grill 2-3 minutes per side, developing beautiful caramelized edges and subtle char lines.
7. Serving Presentation: Remove chicken and pineapple from grill, letting meat rest briefly. Arrange on serving platter, showcasing the harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and savory Hawaiian-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Marinate Smartly: Allow chicken to soak in marinade for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to ensure deep flavor penetration and tenderize the meat.
• Monitor Grill Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect caramelization without burning the chicken or pineapple, creating beautiful grill marks and preserving juiciness.
• Check Doneness Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing undercooked meat while maintaining tender texture.
• Prevent Cross-Contamination: Always use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw chicken, and discard remaining marinade that has touched raw meat to ensure food safety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg