These grilled pineapple spears are coated in a buttery brown sugar cinnamon glaze that is caramelized with 3 simple ingredients and then grilled to perfection. This will be one of the most amazing sides that you grill this summer!
Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple
This caramelized brown sugar cinnamon grilled pineapple was the 4th recipe on the blog. As soon as I started my blog I had to put this recipe on it. We make this grilled pineapple every single time that we grill. It is to die for. It is my favorite and adds so much to any grilling or BBQ dish. With this quick and easy recipe you will be sure to have the MOST delicious pineapple and your family will be raving about it.Have you ever been to Rodizio Grill? Then you know all about the amazing pineapple that they serve! I have been trying to make the amazing sauce that they drizzle over these, and I think I have it perfected. Using only 3 ingredients makes this brown sugar cinnamon glaze to die for. It is so simple to make and will whisk up quickly. Grilling only takes a few minutes and this grilled pineapple will complete any meal as a delicious side dish.
Pineapple Ingredients:
When I tell you that this is one of the best sides that you will grill this summer, it is no joke! It goes great with anything that you will grill and it will be the talk of the barbecue. I know that you will love this just as much as we did. It is truly a five star recipe!
- Pineapple: The main ingredient turned into something spectacular.
- Brown Sugar: Sweeten the sauce with brown sugar.
- Butter: Melting the butter will help spread the glaze evenly.
- Cinnamon: Adds a little sweetness with a hint of spice. Sprinkle some cinnamon overtop of the spears as well as adding it to the glaze.
How to Grill Pineapple:
The sauce is incredible. It is a buttery brown sugar cinnamon glaze. When the pineapple cooks on the grill, the sauce caramelizes and becomes absolutely incredible on top of these! The pineapple stays juicy and grills to perfection. You will be amazed with your first bite!
- Making the caramelized glaze: Lay the pineapple spears on a pan. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. Whisk together the butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. (If it seems thick, I always put it in the microwave for a few seconds so that it can easily pour on top of the pineapple.)
- With a brush: Spread on top of the pineapple.
- Grilling pineapple: Grill for about 7-10 minutes or until it is starting to turn golden brown. I always like to brush the excess sauce from the pan back on top of the pineapple before serving.
The Recipe Critic Pro Tip:
Spray or wipe the grill before oil or use a grill pan to cook the pineapple on the grill.
Variations of Glaze:
It is always fun to try new things and with pineapple it makes it even more delicious. Try these amazing flavors that also compliment the grilled pineapple.
- Honey: Substitute the brown sugar for honey for a sweeter glaze or even half brown sugar and half honey.
- Spicy: Add a little spice with chili powder or cayenne pepper in the glaze.
- Coconut and Fruit Juice: This is a citrus favorite. Use lime, orange or lemon juice to infuse the pineapple with a bold citrusy flavor.
What to Serve with Grilled Pineapple:
This grilled pineapple is perfect as a side dish, adding it to salads or salsa. This pineapple tastes delicious once grilled and can be served so many ways.
- Appetizer: Add some extra flavor to this pineapple cheese ball
- Side Dish: Pineapple is sweet and subtle for any home cooked meal like this honey lime ginger pork or grilled flank steak.
- Salad: This grilled mango and pineapple salad is perfect for adding in grilled pineapple.
- Burger or Sandwich: Most burgers or sandwiches taste better with a citrus pineapple slice that is grilled up.
- Salsa: Chop up the pineapple spears and add in some extra flavors to your salsa.
- Topping: Pineapple topping with various ingredients added on top of steak, pork or chicken makes a great topping.
- Stir Fry: Cook some rice and vegetables and add in grilled pineapple chunks for more sweet and citrusy texture and taste.
More Ways to Enjoy Pineapple:
Pineapple is one of my favorite fruits in the summer. Try these delicious recipes with pineapple this summertime.
Za’atar Chicken
Seasoned with a traditional Middle Eastern Za’atar spice blend and grilled, this Za’atar chicken is juicy and packed with unique flavors. In just 20 minutes you’ll have a flavorful and filling dinner that no one will forget!
If you have never heard of Za’atar seasoning, you are not alone! I just heard of it recently, and now I’m hooked! It’s a great savory blend of warm and earthy seasonings that will really wow your taste buds. You can also make the spice at home! If you like homemade spices, you’ll have to try this Homemade Fajita Seasoning, this better than store bought Italian Seasoning, and this Taco Seasoning too!
Grilled Za’atar Chicken
So at this point you may be wondering what is Za’atar seasoning? It is a blend of savory, nutty, and earthy spices that usually includes oregano, thyme, marjoram, and sumac. There are different blends of Za’atar seasoning based on where you are eating it. Kind of like curry the ingredients can change based on the area it’s made in. I have a link to the Za’atar seasoning blend in the recipe box below too if you want to make it, or you can pick it up from the store.
Grilled Za’atar Chicken is quickly marinated in the Za’atar seasoning and olive oil and grilled to perfection. I really think you are going to love this dish! It’s an easy 20 minute dinner that would go great with some pita bread and hummus. I also love with baba ganoush which goes great with this Za’atar seasoning. You can actually sprinkle some on top and the flavor is incredible. I think this will be a new family favorite!
Ingredients
These simple ingredients combine to make the most delicious and moist chicken. This Za’atar chicken is so unique, and amazingly flavorful! If you are looking for a great easy dinner, then this is the recipe for you! See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: If you get a breast that is really thick, then you’ll want to flatten it out a bit so that it will all cook evenly on the grill.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is a must for this recipe. It’s a great quality oil that helps the flavors in the seasonings really pop.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is just what this recipe needs to bring out all of these gorgeous flavors!
- Za’atar Seasoning: I love making this blend at home! It is really herby and nutty, and perfect on meat. I add sesame seeds, coriander, and salt to my blend and I think it’s fantastic!
- Garlic: Minced garlic is one of my favorite things to eat on chicken. It’s so full of flavor and makes every bite the perfect one!
Za’atar Chicken Recipe
This recipe is so easy! I love how quickly it comes together and it really is so delicious. I ate it with some tomatoes and pita bread and it was perfection. Some of my kids added salt and pepper, but I thought it was perfect the way it was. You can make it however you like, and I know you are going to love it!
- Whisk: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, za’atar seasoning, and garlic.
- Put in Bag: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag then pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Refrigerate: Seal the bag and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Grill: Grill chicken breasts on medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165° Fahrenheit.
- Enjoy: Let the chicken rest before slicing and enjoying!
Tips for Grilling Chicken
Here are a few simple ways to make yourself the master of the grill! Once your friends and family get a bite of your grilled Za’atar chicken, they’ll be hooked. It’s hard not to be when they’re so juicy and flavorful.
- Use a Thermometer: This step is super important so that your chicken doesn’t dry out on the grill. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of your chicken. You can take them off the grill when the temperature inside reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you cook them any more than that, they may dry out.
- Let Rest: The key to juicy grilled Za’atar chicken is letting it rest for a minute or two after you pull it off the grill. This allows all of the tasty juices to reabsorb, giving you chicken breast that will melt in your mouth! If you cut into them too soon after grilling, those juices may be released instead of absorbing back into the meat.
- Dripping: If you have seasoning and oil dripping off of your chicken, it will make the flames touch the meat and that’s where the black burned part comes from. If you don’t want crispy crunchy parts on your chicken, make sure that your seasoning is all over your chicken, but not dripping off.
Storing Leftovers
Who doesn’t wan’t grilled Za’atar chicken for leftovers? This recipe makes enough to serve eight people, so if you need to save your leftovers here is how.
In the Refrigerator: Store your cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
More Chicken Recipes
I love a simple chicken dinner! But sometimes chicken can taste boring when you are always making it the same way. Here are some recipes that will give you great ideas to keep your chicken tasting unique and juicy!
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Nutrition Facts
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Hi, I'm Alex!
I love sharing easy, healthy, and family-friendly recipes that anyone can make at home.
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