The Glazed Pineapple Chicken Recipe is a mouthwatering dish that brings together the perfect balance of flavors from tender and juicy chicken infused with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. It is a mixture of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that everybody will be going to like. This Pineapple Chicken can be cooked on a stovetop or grilled, and the sauce is so tasty.
Imagine tender, juicy chicken breast or thighs, perfectly seasoned to perfection, and then cook in the skillet until you get that chicken coated in a caramelized glaze from the sauce. It is so good that you will be going to make it again and again.
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Ingredients
These are the main ingredients. Scroll down for a full measurement of all the ingredients and printable instructions.
- Chicken Thighs - Sliced the boneless and skinless chicken. No need to slice them if you will grill the chicken. You can also use chicken breast which is lean meat and has more protein content.
- Pineapple Tidbits and Juice - For convenience, I use canned pineapple. You can use fresh pineapple and fresh pineapple juice if you have them on hand.
- Sugar - Provides more sweetness and balances the tanginess
- Cornstarch - Cornstarch dissolved in water will help to thicken the dish.
- Vinegar - Adds tangy flavor.
- Garlic Powder - Garlic powder to boost flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper - to taste
- Red Chili Flakes (optional)
Instructions
Sliced the boneless chicken thighs into 1-inch bite sizes. Season with garlic, salt, and black pepper.
In a skillet or Dutch oven, pour and heat about 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil on medium heat. Sear the chicken until light to golden brown on each side.
Make the sauce by combining pineapple juice from the canned, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, cornstarch, and red chili flakes if using any. Add the sauce to the seared chicken.
Cook on low-medium heat until the sauce thickens. Stir in pineapple tidbits and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add more water if the dish is too dry. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Variations
These are some extra tips and variations to make and add to this pineapple chicken recipe
- Protein option - You can use different types of meat such as pork or beef.
- Vegetables - Adding some colorful vegetables to make this Glazed Pineapple Chicken healthier with extra nutrients. You can add broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. Be sure to sauté them after the chicken is seared.
- Seasonings - Experiment with spices. If you love a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the marinade or glaze for a spicy kick. If you like turmeric or ginger, add fresh or powder to add flavor.
- Grilled option: Leave the chicken in large pieces and you do not need to slice them. For the glaze, simply cook it separately by combining the sauce mixture in a skillet and cook until it thickens. Coat the grilled chicken before serving.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage - Allow the dish to cool. Store the leftover chicken in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The chicken will absorb all the sauce and it will be more flavorful the next day.
Reheating - Transfer the dish to a saucepan and add a few tablespoons of water if it is dry, and if you want some sauce, then sprinkle some salt to taste. Reheat on medium heat until warm thoroughly.
Helpful Tips
- To make the glaze, use pineapple juice for the best taste. Simmer the pineapple juice with brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and a hint of red pepper flakes in a saucepan until it thickens slightly. Add cornstarch-water slurry to thicken it further.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent it from drying out. Use a meat thermometer for the best result.
- Double up this recipe if you are feeding more people. Trust me, it is a crowd-pleaser chicken dish.
- Pair this Glazed Pineapple Chicken with complimentary dishes such as Cooked Rice, Garlic Fried Rice, and Mango Pineapple Tomato Salad.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- The combination of juicy chicken infused with the tangy-sweetness of fresh pineapple glazed brings you the summer vibe with its tropical flavor.
- It has a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The natural sugars from pineapple combined with the savory ingredients from the sauce create a well-balanced taste that you will crave for more.
- You can adapt the recipe to suit your cooking preference and create the perfect dish every time. You can cook the chicken in a skillet or grill it during a summer barbeque event in your backyard.
- Glazed Pineapple Chicken is a hit with both adults and children alike. Its sweet and savory combination appeals to a wide range of palates, making it an excellent choice for family dinners and gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Use what you have. Canned pineapple is so convenient and can last a long time on the shelf. I used canned pineapple tidbits including the juice to make a caramelized glaze for this recipe.
Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time. Be sure to store it in a container in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can grill the chicken instead of cooking them in the skillet. Grill the chicken in a preheated grill and lightly oil to avoid sticking.
If the glaze is too thin, you can thicken it with a small amount of cornstarch dissolved in water to create a slurry. Add it to your dish and simmer until it thickens.
To prevent the chicken from drying out, avoid overcooking it. You can use a meat thermometer to check an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) which ensures that the chicken is cooked completely and remain juicy.
The best type of chicken to use are boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast. they cook evenly and allow all the flavors to blend perfectly.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Glazed Pineapple Chicken:
Glazed Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 pieces chicken thighs bite-size slices
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits
- 2 tablespoons chives chopped
Instructions
- Sliced the boneless chicken thighs into 1-inch bite sizes. Season with garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- In a skillet or Dutch oven, pour and heat about 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil on medium heat. Sear the chicken until light to golden brown on each side.
- Make the sauce by combining pineapple juice from the canned, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, cornstarch, and red chili flakes (if using any).
- Add the sauce to the seared chicken.
- Simmer on low-medium heat until the sauce thickens and turns into a glaze.
- Stir in pineapple tidbits and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add more water if the dish is too dry. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle chives (optional) to garnish.
Notes
Recipe Notes:
- To make the glaze, use pineapple juice for the best taste. Simmer the pineapple juice with brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and a hint of red pepper flakes in a saucepan until it thickens slightly. Add cornstarch-water slurry to thicken it further.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent it from drying out. Use a meat thermometer for the best result.
- Double up this recipe if you are feeding more people. Trust me, it is a crowd-pleaser chicken dish.
- Pair this Glazed Pineapple Chicken with complimentary dishes such as Cooked Rice, Garlic Fried Rice, and Mango Pineapple Tomato Salad.
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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