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.
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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.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe?
- Quick and easy: Minimal prep and cooking time make it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Balanced flavors: Sweet, savory, and tangy—it’s a flavor bomb.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this dish.
- Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and fresh chicken.
🥘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
- In a pan, sauté crushed garlic and chopped onion until fragrant.
- Add boneless chicken thighs and brown them.
- Add pineapples chucks and juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer until chicken is cooked through and sauce is flavorful.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- 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.
Expert Tips
- Sear the chicken well for extra flavor.
- Use fresh pineapple for a less sweet, more tangy taste.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry for a perfectly thickened sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning during the simmering process.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQs
Pineapple's bromelain enzyme melts tough proteins, tenderizing chicken like magic! Marinate 30-60 minutes, avoid mushiness, and balance the acidity for juicy, flavorful perfection.
Marinating chicken in pineapple juice for more than 24 hours can break down the meat too much, making it mushy. For best results, limit marination to 2-4 hours.
Pineapple is often served with meat because its natural enzymes tenderize the meat, while its sweet-tangy flavor complements savory dishes. It creates a perfect balance of taste and texture.
Chicken Dinner Ideas
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📋 Recipe
Easy Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 1 medium pot
Ingredients
- 1½ lb boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoon garlic, crushed
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 10 oz Pineapple chunks
- 4 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 pcs dry bay leaves
- pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch diluted in 2 tablespoon water
Instructions
- In a pan, sauté crushed garlic and chopped onion until fragrant.
- Add boneless chicken thighs and brown them.
- Add pineapples chucks and juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer until chicken is cooked through and sauce is flavorful.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Remove bay leaves, and serve your saucy pineapple chicken over rice or your preferred base.
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Notes
- Sear the chicken well for extra flavor.
- Use fresh pineapple for a less sweet, more tangy taste.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry for a perfectly thickened sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning during the simmering process.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Alina (www.healthandyum.ca) says
Ooooh, pineapple chicken. Sooo good!
Rose Sioson says
Thank you!!!