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Easy Homemade Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Easy Homemade Grilled Pineapple Chicken

A delicious and easy grilled chicken recipe with a sweet and smoky pineapple marinade, perfect for a summer meal. Uses real food ingredients for a healthier twist on BBQ.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Grilling, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian-inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pineapple
  • 1 fresh pineapple pineapple skin removed and cut into rounds with the core removed (can sub canned pineapple rings)
Chicken
  • 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)
Marinade
  • 1/2 cup coconut aminos (can sub 1/4 cup soy sauce)
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice (or sub water if you don't have any)
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 4-6 pitted dates soaked for 10-15 minutes in warm water to soften then drained (can sub 1/4 cup maple syrup)
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
For Serving and Topping
  • White or cauli rice (Cauli rice for Whole30)
  • Mixed greens
  • Chopped green onions (for topping)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Soak dates in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften. Drain before using.
  2. To make the marinade, place all marinade ingredients (coconut aminos, pineapple juice, tomato paste, softened dates, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika) in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
  3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow bowl or dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
  4. Prepare the pineapple by cutting it into rounds, removing the skin and tough inner core. Set aside.
  5. Preheat your grill to high heat (around 500° F).
  6. Add the marinated chicken and pineapple rounds to the hot grill. Cook for approximately 5-6 minutes per side for the chicken, or until cooked through. Grill the pineapple for about 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely caramelized and grill marks appear. Baste the chicken with any remaining marinade during cooking.
  7. Remove chicken and pineapple from the grill. Serve the grilled pineapple chicken over white rice, cauliflower rice, or mixed greens. Top with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

For a smoother marinade, use a high-powered blender. If you don't have coconut aminos, you can use soy sauce as a substitute. Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).