This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor! Made with chicken tenders, Italian dressing, honey, and pineapple juice, it’s an easy summer favorite.
Have you ever thrown together a meal with zero expectations, only to have it turn out so good you actually do a happy dance in your kitchen? That’s exactly how this Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken happened.
It started on one of those chaotic summer nights when I had zero dinner plans but a very hungry family to feed. I raided the fridge and found… chicken tenders, an almost-empty bottle of Italian dressing, and half a can of pineapple juice from earlier that morning. Hmm… could this work?
A little honey, a good soak in the marinade, and 15 minutes on the grill later, I was standing there, completely blown away. The juicy chicken, caramelized honey glaze, and smoky pineapple sweetness? Absolute magic. My husband literally stopped mid-bite and said, “Okay, this needs to go on the blog.”
So here we are. A happy accident turned into a family favorite.
Now it’s your turn to try it.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken Recipe?
- 5-Minute Prep – No complicated steps, just a simple mix-marinate-grill situation.
- Insanely Juicy Chicken – The Italian dressing + pineapple juice combo keeps the chicken super tender.
- Sticky-Sweet Perfection – The honey caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving it that glossy, golden look.
- Pairs with Everything – Serve it over rice, salad, grilled veggies, or just eat it straight off the skewer.
- Crowd-Pleaser – If you bring this to a summer cookout, be prepared for people to ask for the recipe.
Ingredient Notes:
You don’t need much for this recipe, but every ingredient pulls its weigh
- Chicken Tenders – They soak up the marinade faster than chicken breasts, meaning more flavor in less time.
- Italian Dressing – The secret weapon. It adds acidity, oil, and seasonings all in one step.
- Pineapple Juice – Natural sweetness + acidity to tenderize the chicken.
- Honey – Brings richness and stickiness, making this chicken extra glossy and caramelized when grilled.
How To Make Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken?
Step 1: Mix the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, pineapple juice, and honey until smooth.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken tenders in a zip-top bag, pour the marinade over, and seal it. Shake it around a little, then let it marinate in the fridge for at least an hour—or, if you’re planning ahead, overnight for even more flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. You want those gorgeous grill marks without burning the honey.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown with some caramelization. (Use a meat thermometer—the internal temp should hit 165°F.)
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle with extra honey or serve with grilled pineapple rings on the side.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? (Rare, but let’s pretend you do.)
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze cooked chicken in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips:
- Microwave – 30-second bursts with a splash of water.
- Oven – Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes.
- Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little oil.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to switch things up? Here’s how:
- Swap Chicken Tenders for Breasts or Thighs – Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- No Pineapple Juice? – Use orange juice or apple juice instead.
- Make it Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the marinade.
- No Grill? – Use a grill pan or even a cast iron skillet for that same caramelized goodness.
What to Serve with Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken?
This dish goes with EVERYTHING, but here are my favorites:
- Coconut Rice – That subtle sweetness + sticky chicken = pure magic.
- Grilled Pineapple Rings – Because more pineapple is never a bad idea.
- Garlic Butter Green Beans – A fresh, savory contrast.
- Corn on the Cob – Classic BBQ vibes.
- Hawaiian Rolls – For making little chicken sliders.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yep! Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F.
Can I use fresh pineapple juice?
Absolutely! Fresh is always better if you have it.
What if I don’t have a grill?
Use a grill pan or cast iron skillet—it won’t have the same smoky flavor, but still delicious.
If you love easy, flavorful, crowd-pleasing meals, this Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken is about to be your new summer obsession.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just need something ridiculously good for dinner tonight, this recipe is a total win.
So what do you think? Are you making this tonight? Let me know in the comments!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 c Italian Dressing
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1½ pound boneless chicken tenders
Instructions
- To make the marinade mix together 1 cup of dressing, 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice and 3 tablespoons of honey, in a bowl.
- Next place 1½ pounds of chicken tenders into the marinade making sure they are evenly coated.
- Allow the chicken to marinate for 1 hour. For the best flavor, you can leave it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your grill. Once it is hot enough take the chicken out of the marinade. Grill it, for 10 minutes or until it is thoroughly cooked.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
