Description
Fiery Pineapple Chicken is a flavorful and spicy dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, lime juice, and red chili flakes, then grilled or baked to perfection. Accompanied by fresh grilled pineapple slices, this recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, ideal for a quick and vibrant weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust for spice level)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, and red chili flakes to create a flavorful marinade that balances sweetness, acidity, and heat.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, coating them thoroughly to ensure every piece absorbs the vibrant flavors. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour, or ideally overnight, to enhance the taste and tenderness of the chicken.
- Preheat Cooking Equipment: Whether you choose to grill or bake, get your grill heated to medium-high or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for cooking. This ensures even cooking and a nice sear or roast.
- Cook the Chicken and Pineapple: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill or in the oven, cooking for approximately 6-8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. For extra flavor, grill fresh pineapple slices alongside the chicken to caramelize their natural sugars.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about five minutes to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender. Slice the chicken, serve it with the grilled pineapple, and drizzle with any leftover marinade for added zest and moisture.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Marinating the chicken overnight results in deeper flavor penetration.
- Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Grilling pineapple slices enhances their sweetness and adds a smoky flavor that complements the spicy chicken.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium content moderate.
