Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Cheesy Grilled Pineapple Chicken is not just a recipe, it's a culinary adventure that combines the smoky char of perfectly grilled chicken, the sweet tanginess of caramelized pineapple, and the irresistible melt of golden mozzarella. Whether you're a grilling enthusiast or just looking to impress your dinner guests, this recipe promises to elevate your summer cooking game and turn an everyday meal into an extraordinary experience.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple slices
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and seasoning both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 400°F (204°C), ensuring the cooking surface is clean and lightly oiled.
- Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and teriyaki sauce, ensuring even coating on all sides.
- Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side, developing nice grill marks and ensuring the meat is cooking through.
- Flip the chicken and immediately place pineapple slices on the grill, cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes.
- During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast, allowing it to melt and become golden and bubbly.
- Remove chicken from grill when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and cheese is fully melted.
- Let the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then serve with grilled pineapple slices on top.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat (around 400°F) for the best sear and flavor development.
- Meat Preparation: Pat your chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help achieve a better crust and more even cooking.
- Marinating Hack: For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Cheese Melting Trick: Add cheese during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to prevent burning and ensure a perfect golden, bubbly finish.
- Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Resting Period: Let the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 436kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 59g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 144mg
