Pineapple Chicken is a sweet and savory dish that brings together juicy chicken, tender pineapple chunks, and a glossy, flavorful sauce that is slightly sweet, lightly tangy, and deeply comforting. The pineapple adds natural sweetness and a bright tropical note, while the chicken stays tender, hearty, and satisfying. This recipe is so popular because it feels special and fun, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make at home using simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Even kids love it, thanks to the gentle, balanced flavors that aren’t spicy or overpowering.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed family dinners, or meal prep for school or work lunches. Pineapple Chicken cooks quickly on the stovetop in just one pan, which means less mess and faster cleanup. It’s colorful, smells amazing as it cooks, and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to come together. If you enjoy meals that feel cozy while still being exciting and a little different, Pineapple Chicken is a wonderful recipe to add to your rotation.
Why You Should Try Pineapple Chicken
You should try this Pineapple Chicken because it’s simple, beginner-friendly, and very flexible. You can serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, and easily adjust the sweetness to suit your taste. The sauce is made with everyday pantry ingredients, and the steps are clear and easy to follow even if you’re new to cooking. It’s also a great recipe to make with kids, since the process is straightforward and the results are rewarding.
Another great reason to try Pineapple Chicken is its perfect balance of flavors. The savory chicken pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy pineapple, while the sauce brings everything together into one comforting, well-rounded dish. It looks impressive on the table, yet it doesn’t require fancy tools or complicated techniques. This is the kind of easy, satisfying recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients you’ll need for Pineapple Chicken
Here is everything you need to make Pineapple Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs
- Pineapple chunks fresh or canned, drained
- Pineapple juice from the can or fresh
- Soy sauce
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar or honey
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, chopped
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper
How to Make Pineapple Chicken
Step 1
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to eat. Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a large pan or skillet over medium heat and add a little vegetable oil. Once the oil is warm, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook without moving too much so they can turn golden on the outside. Stir occasionally and cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle, then remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then add the chopped onion. Cook the onion slowly until it becomes soft and slightly see-through, stirring so it doesn’t burn. Add the minced garlic and cook for a short time until it smells fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much, as it can become bitter.
Step 3
Next, pour in the pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar or honey. Stir everything together and let the sauce gently simmer. As it heats, the flavors will mix and the sauce will start to smell sweet and savory. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, then slowly pour it into the pan while stirring. This will help the sauce thicken and become glossy.
Step 4
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked chicken back into the pan along with the pineapple chunks. Stir gently so everything is coated in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavor and the pineapple to warm through. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. When everything looks shiny and smells delicious, your Pineapple Chicken is ready to serve.
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Kitchen equipment you will need :
Before you start, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Small bowl for mixing cornstarch
- Measuring cups and spoons
Tips and Variation Ideas
One helpful tip is to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast if you want extra juicy meat, as thighs stay tender even if slightly overcooked. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cut chicken and canned pineapple to save preparation time. Always drain canned pineapple well so the sauce doesn’t become too watery.
Another easy shortcut is to prepare the sauce ingredients ahead of time in a small bowl. This makes cooking smoother and faster. If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of water or pineapple juice to thin it out. For extra color, you can add bell peppers or snap peas to the dish during the last few minutes of cooking.
What can I serve with this Pineapple Chicken ?
We often enjoy this Pineapple Chicken with a selection of refreshing drinks like fruit juice or orange juice, and I like to serve it with a delicious salad for a more satisfying meal. My daughter also loves some delicious dessert after we finish such a meal, like cake or cheesecake.
Commonly Asked Questions
Is fresh pineapple better than canned pineapple ?
Fresh pineapple has a brighter flavor, but canned pineapple is very convenient and works just as well for this recipe.
Can I add vegetables to Pineapple Chicken ?
Yes, bell peppers, onions, carrots, and snap peas are great additions.
Can I freeze Pineapple Chicken after cooking ?
Yes, it freezes well for up to two months in an airtight container.
How do I reheat Pineapple Chicken ?
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if needed.
Pineapple Chicken
Course: Main DishCuisine: AsianDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes25
minutes380
kcal40
minutesPineapple Chicken is a quick and tasty meal made with tender chicken pieces, juicy pineapple, and a sweet, tangy sauce. It’s easy to cook, kid-friendly, and perfect for a simple family dinner.
Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs
Pineapple chunks fresh or canned, drained
Pineapple juice from the can or fresh
Soy sauce
Ketchup
Brown sugar or honey
Garlic, minced
Onion, chopped
Cornstarch
Water
Vegetable oil
Salt and pepper
Directions
- Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to eat. Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a large pan or skillet over medium heat and add a little vegetable oil. Once the oil is warm, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook without moving too much so they can turn golden on the outside. Stir occasionally and cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle, then remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then add the chopped onion. Cook the onion slowly until it becomes soft and slightly see-through, stirring so it doesn’t burn. Add the minced garlic and cook for a short time until it smells fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much, as it can become bitter.
- Next, pour in the pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar or honey. Stir everything together and let the sauce gently simmer. As it heats, the flavors will mix and the sauce will start to smell sweet and savory. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, then slowly pour it into the pan while stirring. This will help the sauce thicken and become glossy.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked chicken back into the pan along with the pineapple chunks. Stir gently so everything is coated in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavor and the pineapple to warm through. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. When everything looks shiny and smells delicious, your Pineapple Chicken is ready to serve.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking to help it brown better.
- Drain canned pineapple well to avoid a watery sauce.
- Simmer the sauce gently so it thickens smoothly.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
