The fusion of sweet pineapple and savory soy-marinated grilled chicken brings this Hawaiian-inspired dish to life. Each bite is infused with bold flavor, a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and umami, enhanced by a luscious pineapple glaze. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to dine al fresco, enjoy the sunshine, and savor every juicy bite.
This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. Marinate your chicken in advance, fire up the grill, and top it with golden pineapple slices for a visually stunning and mouthwatering dinner. Whether you’re planning a casual BBQ or a flavorful weeknight family meal, this grilled aloha chicken delivers tropical delight with minimal effort.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup pineapple juice
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½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
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1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
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Green onions, sliced for garnish
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Sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes.
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Reserve 1/3 cup of the marinade for glazing later. Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag and pour in the remaining marinade. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Remove chicken from marinade and discard used marinade.
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Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Grill pineapple rings for 2-3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear.
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While grilling, heat the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the cornstarch slurry and whisk constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
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Brush the glaze over the grilled chicken during the last minute of cooking.
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Serve grilled chicken topped with pineapple rings, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marination)
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Grilling season is the perfect time to explore new flavor combinations and bring vibrant, fresh meals to the table. Among the many options you can try, Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple stands out as a bold, tropical, and incredibly flavorful dish that captures the essence of summer. Inspired by Hawaiian cuisine, this recipe is a celebration of sweet and savory harmony, combining juicy grilled chicken with caramelized pineapple, all glazed in a sticky, tangy sauce that ties everything together.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a family dinner, or just in the mood to try something exciting, this dish is a must-try. Its balanced taste, ease of preparation, and gorgeous presentation make it a hit for both everyday meals and special occasions. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and why it deserves a permanent spot in your warm-weather recipe rotation.
A Celebration of Sweet and Savory
The core flavor profile of this dish comes from the marinade, which uses ingredients like pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. These components create a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, salty, and umami-rich notes. The pineapple juice acts as both a sweetener and a tenderizer, infusing the chicken with tropical flavors while also ensuring that each bite is juicy and moist.
The use of soy sauce and sesame oil introduces an Asian-fusion twist, making the dish feel a bit more exotic and complex. Brown sugar contributes to the caramelization process during grilling, while garlic and ginger add depth and warmth. The crushed red pepper flakes are optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a hint of spice to offset the sweetness.
Once marinated, the chicken takes on a beautiful golden hue when grilled, slightly charred at the edges, and fully infused with those bright island flavors. It’s then paired with thick slices of fresh pineapple, which also get tossed on the grill. As the pineapple grills, its natural sugars caramelize, giving it a warm, smoky-sweet taste that complements the chicken perfectly.
Why Fresh Pineapple Makes a Difference
While canned pineapple can work in a pinch, fresh pineapple truly transforms this recipe. It brings a natural sweetness and firmer texture that stands up beautifully to the grill. When caramelized, fresh pineapple takes on a slightly smoky note and maintains its juicy integrity without becoming soggy.
Not only does it enhance the flavor, but fresh pineapple also boosts the nutritional value of this dish. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants. It also contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties and aids digestion.
Ideal for Grilling Enthusiasts
One of the joys of this recipe is how grill-friendly it is. Whether you’re using a charcoal grill, gas grill, or even an indoor grill pan, the results are consistently delicious. The marinade ensures the chicken doesn’t dry out, while the glaze caramelizes into a sticky, irresistible coating.
Grilling the pineapple adds another dimension to the dish. You’ll know it’s ready when you see those beautiful grill marks and the edges start to brown slightly. The heat intensifies the fruit’s sweetness, making it the perfect partner for the savory, glazed chicken.
The final garnish of green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds color and crunch, rounding out the dish with fresh texture and a hint of nuttiness.
Versatility in Presentation and Pairings
Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple can be served in several creative ways, depending on the occasion:
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Plated Dinner: Serve over a bed of white or brown rice, jasmine rice, or coconut rice to soak up the extra glaze and juices.
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Skewers: Cut the chicken and pineapple into chunks and thread them onto skewers for a festive party platter.
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Wraps or Tacos: Slice the chicken and pineapple and tuck them into warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of lime crema.
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Salads: Serve the chicken over a bed of greens with avocado, red onion, and a light citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing lunch option.
No matter how you serve it, this dish is visually appealing. The contrast between golden-brown chicken, bright yellow pineapple, green herbs, and white sesame seeds creates a colorful, tropical plate that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
This recipe is not just for weekends; it’s also a great meal prep option. Marinate a batch of chicken overnight, cook it on Sunday, and enjoy flavorful meals throughout the week.
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: You can freeze both the marinated (uncooked) chicken or the cooked chicken. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the chicken and pineapple in a skillet or microwave until heated through. For best results, avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain moisture.
Customization and Dietary Options
This dish is highly customizable and fits various dietary needs:
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Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.
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Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or a grilled veggie medley.
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Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes, a splash of sriracha, or fresh chili for a heat boost.
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Extra Protein: Add grilled shrimp alongside the chicken for a surf-and-turf twist.
Vegetarians can even try a version using firm tofu or seitan marinated in the same mixture and grilled with the pineapple for a satisfying plant-based meal.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~310 kcal
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Protein: ~28g
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Carbohydrates: ~15g
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Sugars: ~10g
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Fat: ~12g
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Fiber: ~2g
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Sodium: ~600mg
This recipe offers a well-balanced mix of lean protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars, making it suitable for a variety of healthy eating plans.
The Story Behind the Dish
The name “Aloha Chicken” reflects its Hawaiian influence. “Aloha” is more than a greeting, it embodies a spirit of hospitality, warmth, and love. This dish is a way to bring that spirit to your dinner table. It’s meant to be shared, enjoyed, and remembered.
With roots in Asian and Polynesian cuisine, the combination of soy sauce, pineapple, and ginger has long been a staple in island-style cooking. This recipe pays homage to that tradition while making it accessible for home cooks everywhere.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
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Marinate Overnight: For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 8 hours.
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Grill at Medium-High Heat: This ensures proper sear without burning the sugars in the glaze.
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Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken should reach 165°F to ensure doneness without overcooking.
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Don’t Crowd the Grill: Give each piece of chicken and pineapple enough space to char and caramelize.
Conclusion
Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple is the ultimate summer recipe: vibrant, flavorful, easy to prepare, and deeply satisfying. It takes simple ingredients and transforms them into something truly special with the help of a grill and a thoughtfully crafted marinade. Whether you’re a seasoned grillmaster or a beginner looking for a show-stopping dish, this recipe delivers.
Its balance of sweet and savory flavors, paired with juicy pineapple and a sticky glaze, makes every bite irresistible. Plus, its versatility and nutritional profile make it ideal for weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, or meal prep success.
So fire up the grill, grab some fresh pineapple, and get ready to transport your tastebuds straight to the tropics. 🌴🍍🔥