If you’re craving a dinner that feels both comforting and exotic, this Juicy Pineapple-Glazed Chicken with a Tropical Twist is the recipe for you. Sweet, tangy pineapple blends with savory soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger to create a sticky glaze that clings to tender chicken thighs. The result? A dish that’s rich, vibrant, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
With golden pineapple chunks and a glossy glaze, this recipe is as beautiful to serve as it is delicious. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality finish, and pair it with steamed rice, quinoa, or crisp greens for a balanced meal.
This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners, yet impressive enough for entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Savory Harmony – Pineapple and honey balance perfectly with soy sauce and garlic.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Tropical Flair – Bright flavors make it feel like a getaway in every bite.
- Versatile Pairing – Great with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions
Season the Chicken
Sprinkle chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant. Add pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
Simmer & Cook
Bring sauce to a simmer. Add chicken back into skillet, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Thicken the Glaze
Remove chicken and set aside. Stir in cornstarch slurry, cooking until sauce thickens.
Finish & Serve
Return chicken to skillet, turning to coat with glaze. Cook 2 more minutes. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without garnishes) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if glaze is too thick.
Tips for Success
- Fresh pineapple gives the brightest flavor, but canned works just fine.
- Don’t skip searing—the golden crust adds flavor and helps chicken stay juicy.
- Taste the glaze before thickening; adjust sweetness with more honey or tang with extra vinegar.
- For extra depth, add a splash of teriyaki sauce or sesame oil.
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.
- Vegetable Boost – Stir in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli.
- Different Protein – Substitute shrimp, pork, or tofu for variety.
- Grilled Version – Grill chicken thighs and drizzle with glaze for a smoky twist.
FAQ About Pineapple-Glazed Chicken
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but adjust cooking time—breasts may cook faster and risk drying out.
2. Do I need fresh pineapple juice?
Not at all. Canned pineapple juice works perfectly.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and sauce, then store separately. Reheat and combine before serving.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
5. What should I serve with this dish?
Steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, quinoa, or stir-fried veggies pair wonderfully.
Wrapping It Up
This Juicy Pineapple-Glazed Chicken with a Tropical Twist is proof that dinner can be quick, easy, and full of bold flavors. With a sticky pineapple-soy glaze, tender chicken, and a hint of tropical flair, it’s a recipe that satisfies cravings while brightening up your dinner table.
Whether you serve it for a weeknight meal or a special dinner, this dish is sure to impress—and it might just become a new family favorite.
The Goods
Juicy Pineapple-Glazed Chicken with a Tropical Twist
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Recipes
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Season the Chicken
- Sprinkle chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Build the Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant. Add pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
Simmer & Cook
- Bring sauce to a simmer. Add chicken back into skillet, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Thicken the Glaze
- Remove chicken and set aside. Stir in cornstarch slurry, cooking until sauce thickens.
Finish & Serve
- Return chicken to skillet, turning to coat with glaze. Cook 2 more minutes. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
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