Grilled Pineapple-Glazed Chicken Thighs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs with a caramelized pineapple glaze, featuring subtle smoky notes from the grill. This tropical-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs pounds, bone-in, skin-on Chicken thighs, Pineapple juice, tablespoons Honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Tropical cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F) and lightly oil the grates.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger.
  4. Step 4: Place chicken skin-side down on the grill and cook for 10 minutes without moving.
  5. Step 5: Brush with half the glaze, flip, and cook for 5 minutes, then brush with remaining glaze.
  6. Step 6: Continue grilling for 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pineapple-Glazed Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Pineapple-Glazed Chicken Thighs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pineapple juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pineapple-Glazed Chicken Thighs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Pineapple-Glazed Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Pineapple-Glazed Chicken Thighs?

Tropical chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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