Description
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the tropics with our mouthwatering Tropical Pineapple-Glazed Chicken! This tantalizing dish combines the juicy goodness of perfectly grilled chicken breasts with a luscious, sweet-and-tangy pineapple glaze. Get ready to wow your taste buds and transport your senses to a sun-drenched island paradise, all with just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts: The foundation of the dish, these lean cuts of chicken provide a juicy texture and a blank canvas for the flavorful glaze.
- 1 cup Pineapple Juice: Fresh or canned, the pineapple juice is the star of the show, lending its sweet and tangy notes to the glaze.
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce: Adding a savory depth of flavor, soy sauce complements the pineapple beautifully. Consider using a low-sodium variety or tamari for a gluten-free option.
- 2 tablespoons Honey: This natural sweetener helps to caramelize the glaze, creating a glossy, sticky coating on the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch: A simple thickening agent that transforms the glaze into a luscious, cling-worthy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: An aromatic seasoning that lends an irresistible depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Ginger: Fresh or powdered, it enhances the tropical theme.
- Salt and Pepper: The classic duo of seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Pineapple Slices (Optional): A vibrant garnish that adds a touch of tropical flair to the finished dish.
Instructions
Making the Pineapple Glaze
Begin by preparing the flavorful pineapple glaze. In a saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Gradually pour the slurry into the simmering glaze, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. Remove the pan from the heat and set the glaze aside.
Grilling the Chicken
Next, it’s time to grill the chicken to perfection. Season the boneless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the last few minutes of grilling, use a brush to liberally apply the pineapple glaze to the chicken, ensuring the flavors meld together seamlessly.
Finishing Touches
Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully glazed, transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the chicken for an extra burst of tropical sweetness. If desired, garnish the dish with fresh pineapple slices for a visually stunning presentation. Serve the Tropical Pineapple-Glazed Chicken immediately, allowing your guests to savor the mouthwatering combination of flavors.
Notes
The Tropical Pineapple-Glazed Chicken lends itself well to meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal planning. You can prepare the pineapple glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Any leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with glaze
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Tropical chicken, pineapple chicken, grilled chicken, healthy chicken recipe