Tropical Pineapple Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Get ready to transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this Tropical Pineapple Chicken recipe. A delightful blend of sweet pineapple and savory chicken, it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal.

Ingredients for Tropical Pineapple Chicken

Chicken thighs are the star of this dish, providing a juicy and flavorful base. Pineapple chunks add a sweet, tangy contrast that brightens the flavor profile. The pineapple juice not only enhances the sweetness but also helps tenderize the chicken. Soy sauce provides a salty, umami kick, while honey brings in a touch of natural sweetness. Olive oil is used for browning the chicken and adding richness. Garlic and ginger deliver aromatic warmth and depth. Lastly, green onions and red bell pepper contribute freshness and a pop of color.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh pineapple if possible, as it provides a more vibrant flavor than canned.
  • To save time, marinate the chicken the night before.
  • If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice, which soak up the delicious sauce. A side of sautéed greens, like bok choy or spinach, complements the flavors beautifully. For a little extra tropical flair, consider serving with a mango salsa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep an eye on them to avoid drying out as they cook faster than thighs.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it's quite mild. Feel free to add chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Tropical Pineapple Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing your marinade — mix together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Make sure the honey dissolves well into the liquid for an even flavor.

Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag, and pour the marinade over the top. Let this sit for at least 30 minutes; if you have more time, a couple of hours in the fridge will intensify the flavors even more.

When you're ready to cook, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and brown them on both sides. This should take about 5 minutes per side, and you'll want a nice golden crust for maximum flavor.

Add the pineapple chunks and red bell pepper to the pan. Pour the reserved marinade over everything, then cover the pan and let it all simmer for about 20 minutes. The sauce should reduce slightly and coat the chicken and vegetables.

Remove the lid and let the sauce thicken a bit more, about 5 additional minutes. Give it a taste — adjust seasoning if needed. Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights.
  • A fun twist on classic chicken dishes with tropical flair.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients that burst with flavor.
  • Marinade infuses depth and tenderness into the chicken.

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken thighs
1 cup pineapple chunks
1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 green onions, chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate chicken thighs in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and brown chicken on both sides.
4. Add pineapple chunks and red bell pepper to the pan.
5. Pour marinade over chicken, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Uncover and let sauce thicken slightly.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!