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Honey Pineapple Chicken

Honey Pineapple Chicken
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Honey Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish combining tender, juicy chicken with fresh pineapple chunks and a sticky, sweet honey-soy glaze. This easy-to-make, family-friendly recipe balances sweet and savory flavors to brighten your meal and impress every palate. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it offers a colorful presentation and versatile adaptability to suit your cravings or dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Produce

  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Pantry

  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil (for cooking)
  • Optional: red pepper flakes to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a rich, flavorful marinade that will soak into the chicken and pineapple.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a shallow dish or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all those gorgeous flavors.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
  4. Add Pineapple and Glaze: Add fresh pineapple chunks to the pan and pour in the remaining marinade. Cook together until the pineapple softens and the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions and optional red pepper flakes on top before serving to brighten the flavors and presentation.

Notes

  • Marinate longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for several hours enhances flavor absorption for deeper taste.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
  • Use fresh pineapple: Canned pineapple can be too watery; fresh chunks offer the right texture and sweetness.
  • Adjust sauce thickness: If glaze is too thin, simmer a few more minutes to reduce and concentrate flavors.
  • Try a cast iron skillet: It’ll help develop a beautiful sear for richer caramelization on the chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Pineapple Chicken, sweet and savory chicken, honey glazed chicken, pineapple chicken recipe, gluten free chicken dish, easy chicken dinner, weeknight meal, family friendly chicken

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/honey-pineapple-chicken/