This Whiskey Pineapple Chicken is a fun mix of sweet and savory. Juicy chicken is cooked with a yummy blend of whiskey and pineapple, giving it a tasty twist that’s hard to resist!
I love how the sweet pineapple caramelizes while cooking—it makes the chicken extra special. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds)! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe as they grill nicely. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey cutlets can be a good substitute.
Whiskey: Choose a whiskey you enjoy drinking since its flavor shines in the dish. If you’re avoiding alcohol, try using apple cider or a mix of apple juice and a splash of vinegar for a similar sweet and tangy taste.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice is great, but canned or boxed juice works too. If you need a substitute, you could use orange juice to maintain sweetness, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Soy Sauce: This adds umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. If you want a lower-sodium option, look for low-sodium soy sauce.
Ground Ginger: Fresh ginger is a fantastic substitute if you have it. Just use about a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger for an extra punch of flavor!
How Do I Get the Chicken Grilled to Perfection?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but these tips will help you achieve juicy, flavorful results. First, make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, though overnight is ideal for deeper flavor.
- Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat; this helps with even cooking and nice grill marks.
- Brush the grates with vegetable oil before grilling to prevent sticking. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil and hold it with tongs.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; 165°F (75°C) is the target.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender!
How to Make Whiskey Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup whiskey
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Grilling:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for grilling)
- Fresh pineapple slices (for grilling and garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and marinating the chicken, plus at least 2 hours (or overnight) for marination in the fridge. Grilling will take around 15 minutes. Total time is around 2 hours and 30 minutes, with most of it letting the chicken soak up flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the whiskey, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until the brown sugar is completely dissolved. This marinade will give your chicken a fantastic flavor!
2. Marinade the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable bag or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or container and pop it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight if you want it extra flavorful. The longer it marinates, the better it gets!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with some vegetable oil to stop the chicken from sticking. This step is super important for getting those gorgeous grill marks!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade from the raw chicken for safety. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re using fresh pineapple slices, throw them on the grill in the last few minutes until they’re nicely caramelized.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy. After resting, slice the chicken and serve it alongside the grilled pineapple slices. If you’d like, drizzle a bit of the extra marinade (that hasn’t touched the raw chicken) over the top for added flavor. Enjoy your delicious Whiskey Pineapple Chicken!
Can I Substitute the Whiskey in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you want to keep a similar flavor profile without the alcohol, you can use apple juice or a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) as an alternative. For a smoky flavor, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke to the marinade.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 2 hours, but for best flavor, aim for overnight. Just make sure not to exceed 24 hours, as the acidity from the pineapple juice can start to break down the chicken, making it mushy.
What Should I Do If I Can’t Grill the Chicken?
No worries! You can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stove or in the oven. For stovetop cooking, heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. If baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken in a baking dish. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on a skillet, adding a splash of pineapple juice or a bit of water if the chicken seems dry.
