Easy Hawaiian Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Glaze Ready in 30 Minutes

Did You Know Grilled Chicken Can Taste Like a Tropical Vacation?

Close your eyes and imagine this: the smoky aroma of juicy grilled chicken mingling with the sweet, caramelized scent of pineapple glaze. It’s like a beachside luau on your plate! But here’s the surprising truth—most people think Hawaiian-inspired dishes are complicated or packed with sugar. Not this one. Our Hawaiian grilled chicken with pineapple glaze is a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory, with a marinade that takes just minutes to whip up. And the best part? You don’t need a plane ticket to Hawaii to enjoy it—just your backyard grill.

I first fell in love with this dish during a family trip to Maui, where a tiny roadside stand served the most incredible grilled chicken I’d ever tasted. The secret? A simple glaze made from fresh pineapple juice, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger. When I recreated it at home, my kids devoured it—no leftovers in sight! Now, it’s our go-to summer recipe, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

What makes this Hawaiian grilled chicken so special? It’s all about the marinade. Unlike heavy, syrupy sauces, this glaze lets the natural sweetness of pineapple shine while keeping the chicken tender and flavorful. Plus, grilling caramelizes the sugars just enough to create those irresistible crispy edges. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just craving a taste of the tropics, this recipe is your ticket to paradise.

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Hawaiian Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Glaze

There’s something magical about the combination of juicy grilled chicken and sweet, tangy pineapple—it’s like a little taste of the islands right in your backyard. This recipe is perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or whenever you need a burst of tropical flavor. Let’s gather our ingredients and get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Look for ones that are evenly sized so they cook at the same rate. If they’re thick, you can gently pound them to an even thickness for perfect grilling.
• 1 cup pineapple juice – Freshly squeezed is wonderful, but store-bought works just fine in a pinch. This is the star of our glaze!
• 1/4 cup soy sauce – I love using low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness, but regular works too.
• 2 tablespoons honey – For a touch of natural sweetness that balances the tang of the pineapple.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything is better with garlic, right?
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated – A little zing to brighten up the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – Optional, but I love the subtle heat it adds.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – This will help thicken our glaze to that perfect, glossy consistency.
• 1 tablespoon water – Just a splash to mix with the cornstarch.
• Fresh pineapple slices – For grilling alongside the chicken. Trust me, caramelized pineapple is a game-changer.
• Chopped cilantro or green onions – For garnish and a pop of freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good whisk or shake to blend everything together. Add the chicken breasts, making sure they’re fully coated in the marinade. Let them soak up all that flavor for at least 30 minutes—or, if you have time, up to 4 hours in the fridge. The longer, the better!

2. Prepare the Glaze: While the chicken marinates, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. In a separate little bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering marinade. Keep stirring until the glaze thickens slightly—about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. This glossy, golden glaze is going to make your chicken shine!

3. Preheat the Grill: Fire up your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, heat it over medium-high and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. A little tip: let the grill get nice and hot before adding the chicken for those beautiful sear marks.

4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard any leftover marinade) and place it on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. In the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken generously with the pineapple glaze. Don’t skip this step—it adds that irresistible caramelized finish!

Conclusion

There you have it—a taste of the tropics right in your own backyard! This Hawaiian Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Glaze is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just craving a little sunshine on your plate, this dish delivers every time. The tender, juicy chicken paired with that caramelized pineapple glaze is simply irresistible.

Now it’s your turn! Fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and let the flavors of Hawaii transport you. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your masterpiece with us—we’d love to hear how it turned out. And if you’re hungry for more tropical-inspired recipes, check out our Hawaiian recipe collection for more delicious ideas!

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned pineapple works just fine in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well before using so the glaze isn’t too watery. If using canned pineapple juice for the glaze, opt for 100% juice with no added sugars for the best flavor.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will help infuse some of that delicious tropical taste. Overnight marinating is ideal if you want the most tender and flavorful results.

Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes! If grilling isn’t an option, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes, basting with the glaze halfway through. For a crispier finish, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.

What sides pair well with this dish?

This chicken pairs beautifully with coconut rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh mango-avocado salad. For a true Hawaiian experience, serve it with a side of macaroni salad or grilled pineapple slices!

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep the chicken juicy. The glaze may thicken when chilled—just warm it slightly before serving.