Grilled Pineapple Chicken with Tangy Glaze and Charred Pineapple

Grilled Pineapple Chicken is an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner cooked on the grill. The chicken is marinated in a simple mixture of reserved canned pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce with a few seasonings, then grilled until juicy and brushed with reserved marinade. Grilling pineapple rings alongside the chicken caramelizes their natural sugars and adds a sweet, smoky contrast. Serve the finished breasts topped with a caramelized pineapple ring for a quick, summer-forward meal.

If you enjoy pineapple with grilled meats, this BBQ Pineapple Chicken is a delicious alternative to grilled pineapple pork chops and follows the same simple approach: a short ingredient list, an easy marinade, and quick time on the grill for maximum flavor.

The combination of tangy-sweet pineapple and savory soy-brown sugar marinade creates a balanced, caramelized finish. This recipe works well for busy evenings—prepare the marinade and chicken the night before, refrigerate, and then grill when you’re ready to eat. Pair it with simple grilled sides like asparagus or sweet potatoes to round out the meal.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• This recipe is simple to prepare and great for beginner grillers.
• The marinade uses just a few pantry staples: pineapple juice, brown sugar, and low-sodium soy sauce plus basic seasonings.
• Grilled pineapple rings become caramelized and tender, creating a lovely sweet contrast to the savory chicken.

Ingredients for grilled pineapple chicken

• Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless for easy grilling and serving.
• Canned pineapple rings – Drain and reserve the juice for the marinade.
• Brown sugar – Adds caramelized sweetness during grilling.
• Soy sauce – Low-sodium recommended to control saltiness.
• Seasonings – Garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper.

Can I make this with chicken thighs?

Yes. Use any cut you prefer, just ensure you cook to a safe internal temperature: 165°F for boneless cuts. Bone-in pieces may require additional cook time—use a thermometer to confirm doneness.

Can I use fresh pineapple?

This recipe relies on the canned pineapple juice for the marinade, so canned pineapple is preferred. If you substitute fresh pineapple, plan to add a separate liquid in place of the reserved juice or use a different marinade base.

Why should I grill pineapple?

Grilling pineapple softens the fruit and caramelizes its natural sugars, intensifying sweetness and adding smoky, charred notes that pair perfectly with savory grilled meats.

How to make grilled pineapple chicken

1. Combine reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper in a large resealable bag. Massage the bag to dissolve the sugar. Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade and set aside; keep the pineapple rings for grilling.
2. Add the chicken to the bag, remove excess air, seal, and refrigerate to marinate overnight (or at least several hours).
3. Preheat and oil the grill (medium-high heat). Remove chicken from the marinade, shake off excess, and place on the grill.
4. Grill the chicken 5–8 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. While the chicken cooks, grill the pineapple rings until they show grill marks and are heated through.
6. Remove chicken from the grill, top each breast with a grilled pineapple ring, and serve.

How to serve grilled pineapple chicken

This chicken is excellent over white or brown rice and pairs well with grilled vegetables and classic sides like baked potatoes or corn on the cob. Grilled cauliflower steaks, green beans in foil packets, or a grilled Caesar salad are all great complementary options.

Can I make this chicken as kabobs?

Yes. Cut chicken and pineapple into pieces and thread onto skewers. Grill chicken and pineapple on separate skewers if they require different cook times, and consider adding onion and red bell pepper for extra flavor.

What should the internal temperature of grilled chicken be?

Use an instant-read thermometer. For safe, juicy chicken, remove from the grill at 165°F. Avoid overcooking past that point to prevent dry meat. Bone-in cuts may require higher temperatures and longer cook times to ensure doneness near the bone.

Can I use leftover marinade?

No. Once the marinade has contacted raw chicken it should be discarded to prevent contamination. Use only the reserved portion set aside before adding the raw chicken for basting.

How to store leftover grilled chicken

Fridge: Cool cooked chicken, then store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Keep pineapple separate to preserve texture. Freezer: Wrap individual pieces tightly and store in a freezer-safe container; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Grilled pineapple does not freeze well, so plan to use fresh or a new can when serving later.

How can I use leftover pineapple chicken?

Leftovers are versatile—slice and add to salads, make sandwiches, or simply reheat and enjoy. The sweet-savory flavor keeps well for quick lunches or dinner the next day.

This sweet and savory grilled chicken is ideal for summer. The meat stays moist while the pineapple brings bright sweetness and caramelized depth.

More easy grilled chicken recipes

• Grilled teriyaki chicken for bold, takeout-style flavor.
• BBQ chicken on the grill for classic smoky-sweet barbecue.
• Beer can or whole chicken on the grill for hands-off meal prep.