Pineapple Chicken
Enjoy pineapple chicken simmered in a finger-licking good, sweetish, and tangy sauce that sports a garlicky twang. Juicy, fall-off-the-bone tender chicken is loaded with flavor for a family favorite any time of year.
Yes, I do love chicken thighs. No part of the chicken is as juicy, flavorful, and mouthwatering, at least in my opinion. Not only that, the legs and thighs are usually the most economical cut.
Why Pineapple Works With Chicken
Pineapple, with its tropical vibes, delivers a sweet, tangy balance to chicken’s savory umaminess. The natural sugars caramelize for extra sweetness that really shines in slow cooking and stir-fries. Plus, the acidity adds a bright freshness that rivals that of lemon. There’s no way to lose with this amazing fruit.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken
- Prep and season the chicken with a homemade rub. Sear it and set it aside. Then sauté the pineapple until it’s caramelized.
- Sauté the garlic and onion, add the hot sauce, pineapple juice, and the rest of the seasonings.
- Place the chicken back in the skillet, add the thyme, and bake for 35-40 minutes or until done and the sauce thickens. Enjoy.
Tips and Notes
- Instead of the homemade rub, try spicing up the chicken with Creole seasoning.
- Stovetop version. Cut up boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, brown them, and set aside. Make the sauce, add the chicken and thyme, then simmer on the stovetop until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
- To add heat, sriracha, homemade pepper sauce, or a diced scotch bonnet pepper will work. Adjust the amount to taste or leave it out completely.
- Fresh pineapple is great if you have it. But canned is available at a good price year-round. Oh, and I used fresh pineapple in the salsa instead of grilled.
Make-Ahead and Leftover Makeover
If making this ahead for easy meal prep, I remove the skin because it will lose its crispiness. Let it come to room temperature, then refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze it for 3-4 months. Heat it back up on the stovetop until bubbling and heated through, and enjoy.
Chop up the chicken, heat a little oil in a skillet, and toast leftover rice. Add the chicken, a little toasted sesame oil, and soy sauce, and heat through for a uniquely original fried rice. A cup or two of chicken stock will turn it into chicken soup for the soul with a tropical twist.
Menu Ideas for Pineapple Chicken
My classic sides are coconut rice and pineapple black bean salad. But it also goes great with easy roasted vegetables, Hawaiian sweet rolls, and noodles.
More Budget-Saving Chicken Recipes to Enjoy
- Blackened Spatchcock Chicken
- Braised Chicken in Coconut Milk
- Yassa Chicken
- Lime Chicken and Rice
- Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
Watch How to Make It
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”P2YwGtgT” upload-date=”2019-08-03T15:30:41.000Z” name=”Baked Pineapple Chicken” description=”Pineapple Chicken Thighs in roast pineapple and slightly garlicky spicy sauce. Juicy, tender and loaded with flavor. A great family meal that would please adults and kids alike.”]
This recipe was first published in April 2016 and has been updated with more useful tips, delicious-looking photos, and a video.
Baked Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
The Chicken
- 2½-3 pounds (1-1.5kg) chicken thighs (5-6 thighs)
- salt and pepper to taste (see notes)
- 2 teaspoons (4-5g) onion powder
- 1 teaspoon (2g) dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon (2g) dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon (3-4g) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (3g) smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon (1-2g) white pepper
- ½ teaspoon (2g) bouillon powder or salt
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) cooking oil
Pineapple Glaze
- 2 cups (500g) chopped pineapple (fresh or canned, drained)
- 2 teaspoons (10g) minced garlic
- ¼ cup (25g) minced onion
- 1 teaspoon (3g) smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon (3g) sriracha or hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups (470ml) pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon (21g) honey
- 1 sprig thyme
- ½ teaspoon (1-2g) freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Trim the chicken of excess fat, rinse, and pat dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, white pepper, and bouillon powder and mix well. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken thighs with a generous amount of the spice blend, reserving the rest for the glaze.
- Preheat oven to 400℉ (205℃).
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in an oven-proof cast-iron pan.
- Add chicken, skin-side down, to the pan and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side or until slightly browned. Don’t worry that it’s not cooked through because it will finish in the oven. Set aside.
- Clean any burns from the pan, leaving some of the oil and adding more if needed.
- Brown the pineapple for 7-8 minutes or until lightly caramelized. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the garlic, onions, smoked paprika, and optional sriracha or hot sauce.
- Pour in about 2 cups of pineapple juice and the honey, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 2 minutes. Adjust for seasoning with the reserved spice blend (I added 2 teaspoons).
- Place the chicken back in the skillet, add a sprig of thyme, and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is done.
- Remove from oven, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with parsley, and enjoy.
Tips & Notes:
- How much salt will depend on your tastes and dietary requirements. For low salt, start with ½ teaspoon per pound and increase up to 1 teaspoon per pound for salt lovers.
- Add more pineapple juice or water if you see the sauce is drying out before the chicken is done.
- Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the ingredients used.
I made the Pineapple Chicken and Coconut Rice on Sunday and my picky husband loved it! It came out just as pictured and I was so pleased. It was delicious! I am fixing it this weekend for a friend’s 50th birthday dinner. I know my friends will love it too. Thank you for sharing. I plan on making more recipes from your website.
YES! So happy to hear this sheri! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with me . Have fun at your friend’s birthday Party!!!!
I didn’t know what creole salt was so looked it up. It seems to be composed of the same spices listed in the recipe. Confused.
Sorry for the confusion Julie! Yes it is, but it also has salt in it. You can completely ignore the creole salt and use salt instead. OR You can use my homemade creole seasoning here https://www.africanbites.com/creole-seasoning/ to spice up the chicken with good results . Just add salt and season according to taste .
I love this dinner! It’s super yummy and I’ve made it multiple times. I also make a side dish of sweet mashed potatoes
Thank you, Lacie! I’m so glad you this chicken, thanks for letting me know
I was looking on line for a chicken thigh recipe that had ingredients I have on hand. Got everything I need for this. Gonna try it tonight. Sounds fabulous! Thanks.
Great! Do let me know how it works out for you. Thanks
Both! Recipe updated! Thanks!
1) Made it last night and it was, delicious (but ugly…really need to clean the pan from all the browned spices). The paprika instruction is still unclear. Perhaps state ‘…additional smoked paprika to taste’? Can’t wait to try your other recipes.
Thank you for sharing this, Ramon!
First of all, am I the only guy that cooks?! I don’t see another males respond…
Anyways this is an amazing recipe although I substituted orange and apple juice when carmelizing the pineapple.
The other thing I did was use skinless chicken breast and put small slices into the top for the sauce to penetrate but be careful not to over cook.
400° for 35 minutes then let sit for about 10 minutes before serving with an ice cold IPA!
Hahaha!! You are not the only one Daryl, there are quite a few here. Thanks for taking the time to provide feed back. Am sure other readers would benefit from it.
I made this last night only used boneless chicken breasts since I didn’t have any thighs. It was delicious!!! The chicken was flavorful and juicy. The spice rub is wonderful! I will be using it in other dishes too.
Thanks for a yummy chicken dish!!!
My Pleasure! Glad to hear it worked out well for you.
This is in the oven as I type…I added the honey at the same time I browned the pineapple – unless I missed it, the recipe calls for 1 tbsp honey but doesn’t say when to add it
That’s fine. I add it when I add the pineapple juice- really doesn’t make that much of a difference . Thanks.
Can you use fresh pineapple in this dish?
You sure can.
Imma your recipes never let me down. Made this pineapple chicken last night and it was da bomb. Even my picky eater toddler ate 2 thighs! Your my Julia Child right now. Made so much of your recipes. Keep up the good work. I’ll be making them as they come ❤.
Aww that’s so sweet. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. So happy to hear your picky eater enjoyed it.
yum. this chicken looks so saucy and delicious. can definitely imagine how good your kitchen must have smelt whilst this was in the oven!
I gotta try this. I love new chicken meals, thanks a lot
Where can I find the recipe for the pineapple and Black Bean Salsa? It looks great!
Here’s the black bean pineapple salsa. Enjoy 🙂
Looks yummy. A must try for me, Imma. Just have to get a can of pineapple with the juice. Thank you.
Wow this baked pineapple chicken sounds divine! I can’t wait to try it!
this looks heavenly! Actually i think i will add this to the menu for next week! Amazing
AWESOME! Do let me know how it works out for you.
I cooked this recipe, and boy was it good! My 11 year old and her friend just loved it. My daughter wants me to make it again. The pineapple gives the chicken a sweet taste to it.
AWESOME!!! Thanks for taking the time to share this with me.
I been making it for about 5 years now my family, sisters, brothers kids all love it it’s a special family dinner now thanks.
Just look at the glaze on that chicken. I want to dive right in, you’re making me feel so hungry.
I want this! I love chicken thighs, and pineapple is my favorite fruit. And served with coconut rice…yum! Beautiful photos and a great recipe. Pinning!
Oh my!! What a platter.. I want everything on that. N the chicken looks amazing
I love the addition of pineapple. It must add a little sweetness to the chicken. Great dinner! Pinned it:)