Start by whisking together the vegetable oil, pineapple juice, and all the seasonings in a bowl. Make sure everything is well combined. This mixture will be the marinade that infuses your chicken with flavor.
Next, take your chicken and place it in a gallon ziplock bag. This not only makes cleanup easy but also allows the marinade to cover the chicken evenly.
Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness. This step is crucial; it ensures that the chicken cooks evenly. You want it to be about one inch thick.
Pour the marinade over the chicken in the ziplock bag. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the meat. This helps ensure the flavors penetrate the chicken.
Refrigerate the bag and allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour or, preferably, overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs.
When you're ready to grill, remove the chicken from the marinade at least one hour before cooking. This allows it to reach room temperature, which helps it cook more evenly.
Prepare your grill by preheating it. If using a charcoal grill, light the coals until they’re covered in white ash. If using a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high heat.
Once the grill is ready, place the marinated chicken on the grill grate. Grill for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about five minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices, making every bite moist and flavorful!
