This Whiskey Pineapple Chicken is a fun mix of sweet and tangy flavors. The juicy chicken meets a tasty pineapple and whiskey glaze that makes each bite a treat!
I love how this dish gives you a taste of summer while cooking. It’s great with rice or on a salad. Plus, who doesn’t like a little whiskey on their chicken? Cheers to that! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their quick cooking time and easy handling. If you’re looking for a healthier option, skinless thighs provide more moisture and flavor, while still being simple to grill.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice offers the best flavor, but you can use store-bought juice if that’s what you have. If you’re avoiding sugar, look for a no-sugar-added variety or blend fresh pineapple in a blender and strain it.
Whiskey: Bourbon adds a rich sweetness. If you’d prefer, you can replace it with any other whiskey or use apple cider vinegar for a non-alcoholic option that still gives a tangy flavor.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works well if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative, and coconut aminos are a good option for a soy-free substitute.
Brown Sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with regular granulated sugar. To mimic that rich flavor, mix in a bit of molasses if you have it on hand.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken that’s juicy and flavorful can be tricky. The key lies in marinating it properly. Letting the chicken soak in the marinade overnight gives it the best flavor. If you’re short on time, a minimum of one hour helps, but the longer, the better!
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off to avoid flare-ups on the grill.
- Always preheat your grill to medium-high. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve those beautiful grill marks.
- Baste with the reserved marinade while grilling for extra flavor, but make sure not to do it in the last few minutes for food safety.
- Using a meat thermometer is a great way to check for doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Delicious Whiskey Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup whiskey (such as bourbon)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving:
- Fresh pineapple slices (for grilling, optional)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a minimum of 1 hour to marinate the chicken (longer for better flavor, like overnight). Cooking on the grill should take roughly 15 minutes. So in total, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy your tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by making the marinade. In a large bowl, mix together the pineapple juice, whiskey, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and black pepper. Whisk everything until the brown sugar dissolves. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, making sure they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to marinate. If you have time, let it sit overnight for a richer flavor!
2. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you have a charcoal grill, set it up for two-zone cooking: one side should be for direct heat and the other for indirect heat.
3. Prepare the Grill and Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Let any excess marinade drip off (but don’t toss it out just yet!). Lightly brush the grill grates with a little olive oil to keep the chicken from sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Now it’s grilling time! Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes, depending on how thick the chicken breasts are. You want them to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). While grilling, don’t forget to baste the chicken with the reserved marinade for extra flavor!
5. Optional Grilled Pineapple:
If you love grilled fruit, throw some fresh pineapple slices on the grill during the last few minutes of cooking. Turn them once until you see beautiful grill marks. They will add a sweet and smoky touch!
6. Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This gives the juices a chance to redistribute. Serve your Whiskey Pineapple Chicken with those delicious grilled pineapple slices and sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fun garnish. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Alcohol?
Absolutely! If bourbon isn’t your preference or you want to try something different, you can substitute with rum or a light whiskey. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Alcohol-Free?
To make an alcohol-free version, simply replace the whiskey with additional pineapple juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a bit of tang. You may want to add a bit more brown sugar to balance the flavors since whiskey adds sweetness as well.
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours to really deepen the flavors! Just be careful not to exceed this time too much, as the acidity from the pineapple juice can start to break down the chicken, making it a bit mushy.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Whiskey Pineapple Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove. Adding a splash of pineapple juice while reheating can help keep it moist!
