Grilled Pineapple-Glazed Pork Chops and Chicken
Elevate your grilling game with these mouthwatering Grilled Pineapple-Glazed Pork Chops or Chicken. Coated in a sweet and tangy homemade pineapple glaze, these succulent chops or chicken breasts are perfect for your summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner. The natural sweetness of the grilled pineapple pairs beautifully with the smoky flavor from the grill, ensuring that each bite is bursting with flavor. Easy to prepare and delightful to share, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork chops or chicken breasts
6 medium (1/2 to 3/4 inch thick)
Pineapple rings
1 (8 ounce) can (drained)
Dark brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Spicy brown mustard
1/4 cup (none)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons (none)
Water
as needed (to mix with reserved juice)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by draining the pineapple rings and reserving the juice. Measure out additional water to make up a total of 1 cup using the reserved juice.
2
2. Season the pork chops or chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
3
3. In a small saucepan, combine the reserved pineapple juice mixed with water, dark brown sugar, and spicy brown mustard. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally.
4
4. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water until smooth to create a slurry.
5
5. Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and stir in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch slurry. Allow to simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
6
6. Generously brush the prepared sauce onto the pork chops or chicken breasts. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
7
7. Grill the pork chops or chicken for about 4 minutes on each side, then brush additional glaze on each piece. Place the drained pineapple rings on top of the meat.
8
8. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to brown.
9
9. Once the pineapple rings are on the grill, turn them for 2 to 3 minutes to achieve nice grill marks.
10
10. Flip the chops or chicken one last time, baste generously with glaze, and check for doneness. Once fully cooked, let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish being prepared?
The main dish is Grilled Pineapple-Glazed Pork Chops or Chicken.
What types of meat can be used in this recipe?
You can use either medium pork chops or chicken breasts, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 6 servings.
What flavor profile does the pineapple glaze have?
The glaze is sweet and tangy, made from pineapple juice, dark brown sugar, and spicy brown mustard.
What size can of pineapple rings is required?
One 8-ounce can of pineapple rings is needed.
How do I prepare the pineapple juice for the glaze?
Drain the pineapple rings and reserve the juice, then add enough water to the juice to make 1 cup total.
How should the meat be seasoned before grilling?
Season the pork chops or chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
What ingredients are combined in the saucepan first?
The reserved pineapple juice mixture, dark brown sugar, and spicy brown mustard are combined first.
How do I thicken the pineapple glaze?
Create a slurry of cornstarch and 1/4 cup water, then stir it into the boiling juice mixture.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 3 minutes while stirring constantly until it thickens.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
The grill or grill pan should be preheated over medium-high heat.
When should the glaze be applied to the meat?
Brush the sauce onto the meat before grilling and again after flipping each piece on the grill.
How long should each side of the meat be grilled initially?
Grill the meat for about 4 minutes on each side initially.
When do I add the pineapple rings to the dish?
Place the drained pineapple rings on top of the meat after the first 8 minutes of grilling (4 minutes per side).
How long do the pineapple rings stay on the meat during grilling?
They should stay on for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Do the pineapple rings get grilled directly?
Yes, turn the pineapple rings for 2 to 3 minutes to achieve nice grill marks.
Should the meat rest after cooking?
Yes, once fully cooked, let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What type of sugar is recommended for the glaze?
Dark brown sugar is recommended for its rich flavor.
What type of mustard is used in the sauce?
Spicy brown mustard is used to add a tangy kick.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
Should I use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
The recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the pineapple glaze.
Can I cook this recipe indoors?
Yes, you can use a grill pan over medium-high heat if you do not have an outdoor grill.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 8 main ingredients, plus salt and pepper for seasoning.
How thick should the pork chops or chicken breasts be?
They should be between 1/2 and 3/4 inch thick.
What gives the dish its smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from the grilling process combined with the pineapple glaze.
When do I add the lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce?
Add them once the juice mixture is boiling, just before adding the cornstarch slurry.
How many pineapple rings come in an 8-ounce can typically?
While it varies, the recipe uses 6 pieces of meat, so you should aim for one ring per portion.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer barbecue?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner.
What should I check before taking the meat off the grill?
Check for doneness and ensure the meat is fully cooked before letting it rest.