Sticky Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Name: Sticky Pineapple BBQ Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1 cup fresh pineapple juice; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Dinner Recipes

I absolutely love making Sticky Pineapple BBQ Chicken because it's the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that brings me back to summer cookouts. The juicy chicken cooks to perfection while slathered in a homemade BBQ sauce that features fresh pineapple juice. The moment I take a bite, the tangy sweetness always gets me reminiscing about warm evenings spent with friends and family around the grill. Plus, it’s a straightforward recipe that anyone can prepare, making it a favorite for both casual dinners and festive gatherings.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-29T22:57:28.299Z

When I first tried making Sticky Pineapple BBQ Chicken, I was surprised by how such simple ingredients could come together to create an extraordinary dish. I marinated the chicken in fresh pineapple juice overnight, and the next day the flavors were truly out of this world. I discovered that letting the chicken soak up the juice allows it to become tender, which is key to achieving that perfect sticky sauce.

During cooking, I brush the BBQ sauce generously, creating that irresistible glaze that you just can’t resist. I also learned that using high-quality BBQ sauce really elevates the dish, so don’t skip that part! Each bite bursts with flavor, leaving a smoky, sweet residue that's perfect over a scoop of rice.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The delicious balance of sweet pineapple and smoky BBQ flavors
Easy preparation with minimal ingredients
Great for weeknight dinners or weekend BBQs

The Importance of Marinades

Marinating the chicken thighs is crucial for developing the rich flavor profile of this dish. The combination of fresh pineapple juice and BBQ sauce creates a sweet tang that penetrates the meat, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes, but if you have more time, letting the chicken soak overnight results in an even deeper flavor. Additionally, the acidity of the pineapple juice helps tenderize the chicken, ensuring it remains moist during cooking.

An important tip for successful marinating is to ensure all chicken pieces are evenly coated in the marinade. A large Ziploc bag works well for this, allowing the marinade to envelope the chicken thoroughly. If you notice that the marinade clings to the chicken, that’s a sign it’s doing its job! Just remember to seal the bag tightly to prevent any leaks in the refrigerator.

Grilling Techniques for Perfect Chicken

When grilling the chicken, it's essential to establish the right heat level. Aim for medium-high heat, which translates to about 375°F to 450°F (190°C to 230°C) on your grill. This heat is necessary to achieve the caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy. You’ll know it’s time to flip the chicken when the edges begin to turn golden and slightly charred, usually around 7-10 minutes per side.

Basting with the reserved marinade during grilling not only enhances the flavor but also helps to create a glossy finish on the chicken. However, avoid using the marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken for basting unless it has been cooked first. To eliminate any concerns, you can set aside a portion of the marinade specifically for basting before adding the raw chicken.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

After grilling, it’s important to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in every bite being tender and flavorful. Consider serving the chicken with a fresh side salad or grilled vegetables to complement the dish's sweetness. Chopped green onions not only add a touch of color but also a fresh crunch that balances the rich BBQ flavors.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating is simple—just warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If you want to freeze the chicken, make sure it's cooled completely first, then wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. Enjoy it later as a quick meal addition or in wraps and sandwiches!

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to prepare your Sticky Pineapple BBQ Chicken:

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 cup fresh pineapple juice
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Once you have all these ingredients ready, you can start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious Sticky Pineapple BBQ Chicken:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the fresh pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. If using an oven, line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.

Cook the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and reserve the marinade for basting. Grill the chicken for about 7-10 minutes on each side, basting with the reserved marinade frequently until fully cooked and slightly caramelized.

Serve

Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve, garnished with chopped green onions.

Enjoy your home-cooked Sticky Pineapple BBQ Chicken!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick. Also, serving the dish with a side of coconut rice enhances the tropical theme.

Ingredient Variations

While this recipe calls for chicken thighs, feel free to substitute with chicken breasts or even drumsticks if desired. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly, with chicken breasts typically requiring a shorter cooking time due to their leanness. Additionally, for those looking for a vegetarian alternative, try substituting the chicken with firm tofu or hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms, marinating them in the same sauce for a delicious BBQ experience.

If you want to enhance the flavor even further, consider adding a splash of lime juice or zest to the marinade. This will add a refreshing acidity that pairs beautifully with both the sweetness of the pineapple and the smokiness of the BBQ sauce.

Make-Ahead Tips

For busy weeknights, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and even marinate the chicken the night before. Simply place the chicken and marinade in a bowl or resealable bag and refrigerate. This is particularly useful for busy days, as it allows you to pop the chicken on the grill straight from the fridge after a long day.

If you're planning a gathering, consider doubling the marinade and chicken quantities. Grill a larger batch to feed a crowd. You can keep the cooked chicken warm in a low oven while finishing up other dishes, ensuring everything is ready to serve together.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry.

→ Can I make this dish in the oven?

Absolutely! Bake the chicken at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, basting halfway through.

→ What can I serve with Sticky Pineapple BBQ Chicken?

It's great with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad to balance the flavors.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.