Description
Whiskey Pineapple Chicken is a sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy grilled chicken dish coated in a rich whiskey glaze with juicy pineapple pieces. The combination of caramelized pineapple, savory chicken, and bold whiskey flavor creates an irresistible meal perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or backyard grilling nights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or thyme
For the Whiskey Pineapple Sauce
- 1/3 cup whiskey
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
In a small saucepan, combine the whiskey, barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, red pepper flakes, and butter. Simmer over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Reserve a few tablespoons of sauce for serving later and set aside.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken generously with the whiskey pineapple sauce.
Add the pineapple chunks to the grill for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly caramelized and slightly charred around the edges.
Continue brushing the chicken with sauce until glossy and caramelized. The sugars in the sauce create a beautiful sticky glaze with smoky charred flavor.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Top with grilled pineapple, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay extra juicy on the grill
- Simmering the sauce helps cook off some of the alcohol flavor
- Do not brush the sauce too early or it may burn
- Fresh pineapple gives the best caramelized texture
- Rest the chicken before slicing to keep it juicy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 410 per serving