Easy Pineapple Chicken Recipe

This easy Pineapple Chicken combines tender chicken thighs with sweet and tangy pineapple in a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.

This recipe is one of the easiest to whip up when you have boneless chicken thighs and pantry staples. It’s a fun and flavorful way to use pineapple chunks sitting in your pantry, turning them into a tropical treat.

If you love flavorful chicken dishes, this recipe will remind you of other favorites like Hainanese chicken, chicken adobo, chicken bistek, and asado. It’s also a great addition to your rotation if you enjoy mushroom chicken or butter chicken. Each bite is like a tropical getaway, making dinner feel exciting and different.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe?
• 🥘Ingredients
• Substitutions and Additions
• 🍍How to Make Pineapple Chicken
• Variation
• What to Serve with It?
• How to Store Leftovers
• Expert Tips
• Recipe FAQs
• Chicken Dinner Ideas
• 📋 Recipe
• Easy Pineapple Chicken Recipe

🥘Ingredients

• Boneless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they’re the star of this dish.
• Garlic: Adds an aromatic depth.
• Onion: Enhances the savory base of the sauce.
• Pineapple chunks: Sweet and tangy bursts of flavor in every bite.
• Soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to balance the sweetness.
• Brown sugar or honey: Adds a rich sweetness to the sauce.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• Dry bay leaves: Adds a subtle earthy aroma.
• Pepper: A touch of heat to round out the flavors.
• Cornstarch (diluted in 2 tablespoons of water): Thickens the sauce perfectly.

Substitutions and Additions

• Chicken breast: Swap for a leaner option.
• Canned pineapple: Use fresh pineapple for a less sweet variation.
• Coconut milk: Add for a creamy tropical twist.
• Chili flakes: Sprinkle for a spicy kick.
• Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers or carrots for added texture.
• Honey: Use instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetener.

🍍How to Make Pineapple Chicken

1. In a pan, sauté crushed garlic and chopped onion until fragrant.
2. Add boneless chicken thighs and brown them.
3. Add pineapples chucks and juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer until chicken is cooked through and sauce is flavorful.
5. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
6. Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
7. Remove bay leaves, and serve your saucy pineapple chicken over rice or your preferred base.

Variation

• Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Add chili flakes or sriracha for a fiery twist.
• Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, bolder flavor.
• Coconut Pineapple Chicken: Stir in coconut milk for a creamy and tropical sauce.
• Pineapple BBQ Chicken: Swap soy sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky touch.
• Vegetarian Pineapple Stir-fry: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
• Sheet Pan Pineapple Chicken: Bake everything on a sheet pan for a hands-off approach.

What to Serve with It?

• Steamed white rice: A classic pairing to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Garlic fried rice: Adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Coconut rice: Complements the tropical flavors perfectly.
• Roasted vegetables: A light and healthy side dish.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting.
• Fresh salad: Adds a refreshing crunch.
• Sauteed green beans: Simple yet tasty.
• Coleslaw: The tanginess pairs well with the sweet chicken.
• Cornbread: A slightly sweet and hearty accompaniment.
• Spring rolls: Add a crispy texture to the meal.
• Sweet potato fries: A fun and flavorful side.
• Pineapple salsa: Double the pineapple fun.
• Naan bread: Great for soaking up the delicious sauce.

How to Store Leftovers

Let the pineapple chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Recipe FAQs

Chicken Dinner Ideas

📋 Recipe