This Whiskey Pineapple Chicken is a tasty dish that mixes sweet and savory flavors beautifully. Marinated chicken is cooked until juicy, then glazed with a lovely whiskey and pineapple sauce!
You won’t believe how good the smell is while it’s cooking! I like to serve it with rice or veggies to soak up that delicious sauce. Trust me, your tastebuds will thank you! 🍍🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe because they cook evenly. If you want a juicier alternative, chicken thighs are a great substitute.
Pineapple Juice: Freshly squeezed pineapple juice adds the best flavor, but store-bought works well, too. If you can’t find pineapple juice, orange juice can give a nice citrus twist.
Whiskey: Bourbon is my favorite for its sweet notes, but any whiskey can work. If you want a non-alcoholic option, use additional pineapple juice or a mix of apple cider vinegar with a touch of honey.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds saltiness, but low-sodium soy sauce is a smart choice if you’re watching your salt intake. For a gluten-free version, go for tamari.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth to the flavor. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, try using honey or maple syrup instead, but adjust the liquid in the marinade slightly.
How Do You Grill Chicken to Perfection?
Grilling chicken may seem tricky, but with the right methods, you’ll achieve juicy results. First, marinating is key—letting the chicken soak up the flavors for at least 2 hours will make a big difference.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high. This will give you nice grill marks and seal in the juices.
- Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. A good trick is to use a paper towel dipped in oil held with tongs.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, but don’t flip it too soon—let it cook until it naturally releases from the grill.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it moist.
How to Make Whiskey Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup whiskey (bourbon works well)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh pineapple slices (for grilling and garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 15 minutes of prep time plus at least 2 hours for marinating. When grilling, expect about 15-20 minutes of cooking time. Overall, you should plan for about 2 hours and 35 minutes to enjoy this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple juice, whiskey, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, vegetable oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Whisk everything together until it’s all mixed up nicely.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you have the time. This will help the chicken soak up all those yummy flavors!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates so the chicken doesn’t stick.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off (don’t worry, discard the marinade). Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has nice grill marks.
5. Grill the Pineapple:
In the last few minutes while the chicken is cooking, add the fresh pineapple slices to the grill. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re nicely charred and caramelized.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once everything is done, take the chicken and pineapple off the grill. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve your delicious grilled chicken topped with the grilled pineapple and garnished with fresh cilantro for an extra fresh touch. Enjoy your flavorful Whiskey Pineapple Chicken!
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Bone-in pieces may take a little longer to cook, so keep an eye on them while grilling!
What Can I Substitute for Whiskey?
If you want to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the whiskey with additional pineapple juice or apple juice for a sweet flavor. For a more complex taste, consider using a mixture of apple cider vinegar and a little brown sugar to mimic the whiskey’s depth!
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches the proper temperature. Add the pineapple slices during the last 10 minutes of baking for a nice charred flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of pineapple juice to keep the chicken moist. Enjoy them in salads or as a delicious sandwich filling!
