Grilled Chicken Pineapple Stacks (Printable)

Tender grilled chicken with caramelized pineapple and fresh veggies for a wholesome, flavorful main.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken & Marinade

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free recommended)
04 - 1 tablespoon honey
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 garlic clove, minced
07 - ½ teaspoon salt
08 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Pineapple & Vegetables

09 - 4 fresh pineapple rings, ½-inch thick
10 - 1 red onion, sliced into rings
11 - 1 large tomato, sliced
12 - 1 avocado, sliced
13 - 4 large leaves romaine or butter lettuce

→ Optional Toppings

14 - 4 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese
15 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or aioli
16 - 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
02 - Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring even coating. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor development.
03 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
04 - Place marinated chicken breasts on preheated grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through with distinct grill marks. During the final 2 minutes, top with cheese slices if desired and allow to melt.
05 - Grill pineapple rings for 2 to 3 minutes per side until caramelized with charred edges. Grill red onion rings for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and lightly charred.
06 - Layer a lettuce leaf on each serving plate. Top sequentially with grilled chicken breast, caramelized pineapple ring, grilled onion, tomato slices, and avocado slices. Drizzle with mayonnaise or aioli and garnish with fresh herbs.
07 - Present stacks as constructed, or accompany with a toasted bun if preferred.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent but feels light, especially when you skip the bun and let the crisp lettuce do the work.
  • The grilled pineapple brings a caramelized sweetness that nobody expects, and somehow everyone asks for the recipe.
  • Ready in 40 minutes with minimal cleanup, which means weeknight dinners don't have to be boring.
02 -
  • Don't skip marinating—those 15 minutes aren't just for flavor, they're what keeps the chicken moist on a hot grill.
  • Fresh pineapple is essential; it actually caramelizes and browns instead of burning like canned varieties would.
  • Slice your avocado right before serving so it stays bright and creamy instead of turning gray.
03 -
  • Pound your chicken breasts to even thickness before marinating so every piece cooks at exactly the same rate.
  • Oil your grill grates right before cooking, not before preheating, so the oil doesn't burn off and leave you with sticking.
  • Let grilled items rest for a minute on a clean plate before assembling so hot chicken doesn't wilt your fresh ingredients.
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