This Whiskey Pineapple Chicken is a fun and tasty dish combining sweet and savory flavors. Juicy chicken meets a delicious sauce with a hint of whiskey and pineapple—what’s not to love?
Cooking this dish fills my kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma! I like to serve it over rice for a perfect meal. Trust me, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance! 🍍🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here for lean meat. You can replace them with chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor and juicier texture.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice gives the best flavor! Still, canned juice or even orange juice can work if that’s what you have on hand.
Whiskey: Bourbon is a classic choice, but other spirits like rum or even a non-alcoholic whiskey can replace it if you want to omit alcohol.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is great for controlling the saltiness. If you need it gluten-free, tamari is a wonderful substitute!
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness. If you’re out, you can use white sugar or honey, but adjust the quantity to taste as honey is sweeter!
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a little TLC, your chicken will turn out juicy and delicious.
- Marinate your chicken for at least 1 hour; longer is even better for flavor!
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill helps create those beautiful grill marks.
- When grilling, avoid moving the chicken around too much. Letting it sit will give a nice sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 165°F (75°C) to ensure the chicken is safe to eat.
Remember, letting the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing helps keep it juicy. Enjoy your cookout!
How to Make Whiskey Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup whiskey (bourbon or your choice)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Optional:
- Fresh pineapple slices (for grilling and garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a marinating time of at least 1 hour (or up to overnight if you want more flavor). Cooking on the grill will take around 15 minutes. Just plan ahead for the marinating part!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, whiskey, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, olive oil, black pepper, and salt. This will be your flavorful marinade that makes the chicken juicy and sweet!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s all coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. If you have time, letting it sit overnight will really enhance the flavor!
3. Get Ready to Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re grilling fresh pineapple slices as well, lightly grease the grill grates to prevent them from sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and remove it from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the chicken should have nice caramelized grill marks.
5. Add the Pineapple:
If you’d like, during the last few minutes of cooking, add the fresh pineapple slices to the grill. Let them cook until they’re tender and slightly charred, which adds a nice sweet touch!
6. Serve it Up:
Once the chicken is done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Slice it up, and if you grilled the pineapple slices, serve them alongside the chicken for a delightful finish. Enjoy your flavorful Whiskey Pineapple Chicken!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! This marinade works great with pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If using pork or beef, aim for cuts like pork loin or flank steak and adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Pineapple Juice?
No problem! You can use canned pineapple juice or even substitute it with orange juice in a pinch. Just keep in mind that using orange juice will change the flavor profile slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it moist when reheating, add a splash of pineapple juice or water before warming it up in the microwave or on the stove.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, which enhances the flavor. Just ensure to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to grill. You can also grill the chicken in advance and reheat it later when you’re ready to serve!
