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Tropical flavors evoke images of sun-kissed beaches, swaying palm trees, and a laid-back lifestyle, making them an ideal choice for summer cooking. One dish that perfectly encapsulates this essence is Tropical Grilled Pineapple Chicken. This delightful recipe combines tender chicken breasts with the sweet, juicy notes of pineapple, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that transports your taste buds to a tropical paradise. The marriage of savory and sweet is not only delicious but also makes for a visually stunning plate that can impress guests at summer gatherings or simply elevate a casual family dinner.

Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Dive into summer with the refreshing Tropical Grilled Pineapple Chicken! This vibrant dish brings together tender chicken breasts and sweet, juicy pineapple for a perfect blend of savory and sweet. Using fresh ingredients like pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, you'll create a marinade that elevates the flavors. Great for barbecues or casual dinners, this recipe is easy to follow and visually stunning. Impress your guests with a plate that tastes as good as it looks!

Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup fresh pineapple juice

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon olive oil (for brushing)

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (for grilling)

Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground black pepper, and salt until the brown sugar is fully dissolved. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag securely, ensuring the chicken is well-coated in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.

    Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For gas grills, ensure it is fully preheated before grilling. If using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn until they are covered with a white ash, indicating they are ready to use.

      Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Brush the grill grates with olive oil to minimize sticking. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken has developed attractive grill marks and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C).

        Grill the Pineapple: While the chicken is cooking, arrange the fresh pineapple chunks directly on the grill. Grill the pineapple for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning until they are beautifully caramelized and golden brown.

          Serve: Once both the chicken and pineapple are fully cooked, remove them from the grill. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into portions. To serve, place the grilled chicken on a platter, top with the caramelized pineapple chunks, and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Accompany with lime wedges on the side for a bright, zesty enhancement.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour (plus marinating time) | 4 servings