Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Imagine succulent chicken pieces glazed in a sweet-tangy sauce, with juicy pineapple chunks adding bursts of tropical flavor in every bite. This Pineapple Chicken Recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal that balances savory and sweet notes perfectly. The caramelized edges of the chicken paired with the bright acidity of pineapple creates a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing. You’ll learn how to create this restaurant-quality Pineapple Chicken at home with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pineapple Chicken Recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors, with the natural sweetness of pineapple complementing the umami-rich chicken without overwhelming it. The textural contrast is remarkable—tender, juicy chicken pieces alongside slightly firm pineapple chunks and crisp bell peppers.

What makes this dish especially appealing is how impressive it looks despite being incredibly straightforward to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you can create a meal that tastes like it took hours to develop those complex flavors. The sauce caramelizes beautifully, coating each piece of chicken with a glossy finish that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Additionally, this Hawaiian-inspired chicken with pineapple is versatile enough for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters tend to enjoy, thanks to its familiar yet exciting flavor profile.

Ingredients

For this delicious Pineapple Chicken, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 fresh pineapple (about 3 cups or 450g), cored and cut into 1-inch chunks (or use canned pineapple chunks in juice, drained but reserve ¼ cup juice)
• 1 red bell pepper (150g), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper (150g), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion (150g), cut into wedges
• 3 cloves garlic (15g), minced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) honey
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15g) cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon (2g) red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons (16g) toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

The chicken should be fresh and preferably organic for the best flavor. Fresh pineapple provides the brightest flavor, though canned works perfectly when fresh isn’t available. The combination of red and green bell peppers adds both color and a slight crunch to balance the tender chicken.

Pro Tips

Tip 1: Perfect Your Chicken Cooking Technique
For the juiciest chicken in your Pineapple Chicken Recipe, avoid overcrowding your pan. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, giving each piece enough space to properly brown rather than steam. This creates a delicious caramelization that forms the foundation of flavor. Cook the chicken only until it’s about 90% done before removing it from the pan—it will finish cooking when returned to the sauce, preventing it from becoming tough or dry.

Tip 2: Balance Your Sweet and Savory Elements
The magic of tropical chicken with pineapple lies in its flavor balance. Taste your sauce before adding the chicken back in and adjust as needed. If using canned pineapple, your dish may need additional acidity from a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Conversely, if using fresh pineapple (which tends to be more acidic), you might want to add an extra teaspoon of honey to balance the tartness.

Tip 3: Proper Thickening Technique
For that perfect glossy sauce that clings to every piece of chicken and pineapple, mix your cornstarch with cold liquid (pineapple juice or water) before adding to the hot pan. This prevents lumps and ensures even thickening. Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 2 minutes after adding the cornstarch slurry—this fully activates the thickening power and cooks out any starchy taste.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by cutting your chicken into even 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook uniformly. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then prepare your pineapple (if using fresh), bell peppers, and onions, cutting everything into similar-sized pieces. This not only creates a visually appealing dish but ensures all ingredients cook at the same rate. Mix the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and reserved pineapple juice if using canned pineapple) in a small bowl, then dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding (work in batches if needed). Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. The goal is to develop a beautiful caramelization while keeping the inside juicy. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed, then add the onions and cook for 1 minute until they begin to soften. Add the bell peppers and cook for another 2 minutes, maintaining some crispness. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it as this can make your Pineapple Chicken bitter.

Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour your prepared sauce mixture into the pan with the vegetables and bring to a simmer. Add the pineapple chunks and allow the sauce to bubble gently for about 1 minute, letting the flavors begin to meld. Give your cornstarch slurry a quick stir to recombine, then drizzle it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Finish the Dish
Return the chicken to the pan, along with any accumulated juices. Gently fold everything together, ensuring each piece of chicken is coated in the sauce. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds just before serving your delicious Pineapple Chicken.

Variations

Spicy Pineapple Chicken
For heat lovers, transform this Pineapple Chicken Recipe into a spicy delight by adding 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or sambal oelek to the sauce mixture. You can also include a thinly sliced Thai chili or two during the cooking process. The heat balances beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple, creating a more complex flavor profile that many find irresistible.

Coconut Pineapple Chicken
For a tropical twist, replace half of the liquid in the sauce with coconut milk and add 1 teaspoon of curry powder. This creates a creamy version of pineapple chicken with subtle Southeast Asian influences. The coconut mellows the acidity of the pineapple while adding richness to the dish. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes alongside the traditional garnishes.

Vegetarian Alternative
This recipe works wonderfully with firm tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes and follow the same cooking method. For added flavor, marinate the tofu in a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil for 15 minutes before cooking.

Storage and Serving

Your Pineapple Chicken will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making it a perfect meal prep option. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the chicken tough.

For serving, this tropical chicken with pineapple pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh cucumber salad. The dish also works beautifully with coconut rice for an extra tropical touch, or with simple chow mein noodles for an Asian-fusion approach.

For an impressive presentation, serve your Pineapple Chicken in a hollowed-out pineapple half, garnished with extra sesame seeds and a few sprigs of cilantro. This makes for a stunning centerpiece at any dinner party.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Absolutely! While fresh pineapple provides the brightest flavor, canned pineapple chunks work perfectly in this Pineapple Chicken Recipe. Just be sure to drain them well, reserving some juice for the sauce. Choose pineapple packed in juice rather than syrup for better flavor balance.

How do I prevent my chicken from becoming dry?
The key is to not overcook the chicken initially. When you first sear it, cook it to about 90% done, then let it finish cooking when returned to the sauce. Also, using chicken thighs instead of breasts will naturally yield juicier results in your pineapple chicken.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats beautifully and the flavors even deepen overnight. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then gently reheat on the stovetop.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, because of the soy sauce. However, you can easily make gluten-free pineapple chicken by substituting tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce.

Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze this pineapple chicken for up to 2 months, the texture of the pineapple and peppers will change somewhat upon thawing. For best results, slightly undercook the vegetables if you know you’ll be freezing the dish.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Chicken is comfort food at its finest — a perfect harmony of tangy sweetness and savory satisfaction that transports you to tropical shores with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special, bringing smiles to faces around your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or culinary adventurers, this recipe strikes that perfect balance of familiar and exotic that makes it impossible to resist. Make this Pineapple Chicken Recipe once, and watch it quickly become a requested favorite in your regular meal rotation.

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