Blackstone Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the savory goodness of chicken with the sweet, tropical flair of pineapple. Cooking on a Blackstone griddle allows you to achieve that optimal caramelization and perfect sear, making this recipe a fantastic choice for anyone looking to spice up their mealtime. Juicy, tender chicken meets vibrant, caramelized pineapple, creating an explosion of flavor you won’t forget. This dish is not just incredibly delicious but also easy to prepare, making it great for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
Why We Love This Blackstone Pineapple Chicken Recipe
This recipe quickly becomes a favorite for many reasons. First and foremost, the tropical flavors of pineapple combined with the savory elements of chicken make for a mouthwatering pairing. You’ll love how the sweetness of the pineapple juice balances the saltiness of the soy sauce, creating a delightful marinade. The griddle method also allows you to achieve that perfect sear, locking in the chicken’s juices while also caramelizing the pineapple to enhance its flavor. This dish is not only flavorful but also visually appealing, thanks to the vibrant colors of the fresh ingredients. Plus, it’s versatile enough to satisfy a variety of dietary needs, making it ideal for family dinners or outdoor barbecues.
Ingredients about Blackstone Pineapple Chicken
To create a tantalizing Blackstone Pineapple Chicken that will impress everyone at your table, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make Blackstone Pineapple Chicken Directions
To start your culinary journey with this delicious Blackstone Pineapple Chicken, marinating the chicken is the first step. In a bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture forms the base of a flavorful marinade that will make your chicken truly special.
Next, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them in a sealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results, let the chicken marinate overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it tastier and more succulent.
When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the fridge about 15 minutes before grilling, allowing it to come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking. Preheat your Blackstone griddle to a medium-high heat setting, ensuring it gets adequately hot for perfect searing.
Once heated, lightly coat your griddle’s surface with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the marinated chicken breasts on the griddle. Let them cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them. This allows for a nice brown crust to form. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (about 74°C) for safe consumption.
While the chicken is cooking, you can multitask by adding the pineapple chunks to the griddle. Grill them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are caramelized and warmed through. The heat from the griddle enhances the sweetness of the pineapple, creating a beautiful caramelized exterior.
Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the chicken and pineapple from the griddle. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes; this step helps retain moisture when you slice it. Serve your chicken topped with those delicious caramelized pineapple chunks for an inviting presentation. If you like, you can garnish with fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Blackstone Pineapple Chicken
Serving your Blackstone Pineapple Chicken is as enjoyable as preparing it. The vibrant colors of the caramelized pineapple on the juicy chicken create an appealing visual feast. Serve the chicken and pineapple together on a large plate or platter for a family-style meal, allowing everyone to help themselves.
Consider pairing this dish with fluffy rice or a bed of quinoa, which will soak up any extra marinade and add a wholesome touch. You can also serve a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add some crunch and color to your plate. If you’re having a gathering, you might want to make a tropical salsa or a fresh salad with a citrus dressing as a refreshing side dish. Serve it with a cool beverage, like iced tea or lemonade, to complement the sweet and savory notes of the dish.
Your guests will appreciate the effort you’ve put into making this appealing dish, and they won’t be able to resist going back for seconds!
Expert Tips: Blackstone Pineapple Chicken
To ensure that your Blackstone Pineapple Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind. First, always allow for adequate marinating time—if you can, aim for overnight marination. This will ensure that the chicken is infused with maximum flavor.
When cooking on the griddle, make sure it’s adequately preheated before adding the chicken. A hot griddle prevents the chicken from steaming, getting that beautiful char instead. If possible, avoid overcrowding the griddle; this might lead to uneven cooking. If you have a lot of chicken, it might be best to cook in batches.
Using fresh pineapple is an excellent way to elevate the dish, but if you opt for canned pineapple chunks, make sure to drain them well to prevent excess moisture on the griddle. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe temperature.
Lastly, let the chicken rest for five minutes after cooking before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier final product.
How to Store Blackstone Pineapple Chicken
If you have any leftovers of your Blackstone Pineapple Chicken, storing them properly is essential to maintain their quality and flavor. Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it. Transfer any leftover chicken and pineapple into a shallow airtight container. It’s best to separate the pineapple from the chicken to retain each part’s texture and flavor.
Refrigerate the container, and your leftovers should be good for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat the chicken in a medium skillet over low heat or in the microwave, taking care not to overcook and dry it out.
If you anticipate having leftovers for more extended periods, consider freezing the chicken. Wrap each piece of chicken tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Properly wrapped, your Blackstone Pineapple Chicken can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Variation of Blackstone Pineapple Chicken
While the classic version of Blackstone Pineapple Chicken is sure to delight, experimenting with variations can keep your meals exciting. One approach is to swap in different proteins such as shrimp or firm tofu, making this recipe suitable for various dietary preferences. Feel free to change the marinade by adding spices like cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika for an added kick.
Another variation could include adding vegetables to the griddle, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas. These vegetables can be tossed on alongside the chicken and pineapple for a complete, vibrant meal.
For a unique twist, try serving the chicken in tacos with a slaw made of cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing. This approach gives you a satisfying crunch along with the savory sweetness of the chicken and pineapple.
Finally, if you want to mix in an Asian-inspired theme, you could serve the dish over fried rice or with a side of spring rolls, enhancing the overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackstone Pineapple Chicken
What is Blackstone Pineapple Chicken?
Blackstone Pineapple Chicken is a flavorful dish made by marinating chicken breasts in a delicious mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and honey before cooking them on a Blackstone griddle. The result is a juicy chicken paired with caramelized pineapple.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts for a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes! You can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, which will absorb the marinade beautifully.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken for at least one hour is recommended, but allowing it to marinate overnight will yield the best flavor results.
What sides go well with Blackstone Pineapple Chicken?
Rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables are excellent sides to serve alongside this dish. A tropical salad or a refreshing coleslaw also makes a great pairing.
Can I grill the chicken instead of using a griddle?
Certainly! If you don’t have a Blackstone griddle, you can grill the chicken outdoors on a barbecue or indoor grill pan.
By following these suggestions and guidelines, you can create a memorable Blackstone Pineapple Chicken that you and your loved ones will cherish!
Blackstone Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Low sodium recommended
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- to taste salt and pepper
For the main dish
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks Canned or fresh
Optional garnish
- to taste fresh cilantro For garnishing
Instructions
Marinating
- In a bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a sealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Cooking
- Remove the chicken from the fridge about 15 minutes before grilling to bring it to room temperature.
- Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat and lightly coat it with oil.
- Place the marinated chicken breasts on the griddle and cook for 6-7 minutes on one side without moving.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add the pineapple chunks to the griddle and grill them for 2-3 minutes on each side until caramelized.
- Remove the chicken and pineapple from the griddle and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
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