Delicious Barbecue Pineapple Chicken: Easy Recipe for Grilling

Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and pepper. In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup of reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well combined.

Place the chicken thighs in a large ziploc bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the prepared BBQ pineapple sauce over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. Reserve the other half of the sauce for basting.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 200°C / 400°F). Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.

Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved sauce during the last few minutes of cooking, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

During the last 5 minutes of grilling, place the drained pineapple slices on the grill alongside the chicken. Grill until lightly caramelized, about 2-3 minutes per side. Baste the pineapple slices lightly with some of the remaining sauce.

Remove chicken and pineapple from the grill. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.