Easy & Best Pineapple Jalapeño Chicken Recipe
This Easy & Best Pineapple Jalapeño Chicken combines the perfect balance of sweet and spicy for a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to impress. Juicy chicken thighs or breasts are seared to perfection and coated in a tangy pineapple glaze with a kick of jalapeño heat. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings bold flavors to the table with minimal effort.
Equipment
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs for flipping the chicken
- Small mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned
- 1 jalapeño thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger optional
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro for garnish optional
Instructions
- Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the pineapple chunks and sliced jalapeño. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the pineapple starts to caramelize.
- Stir in the soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and lime juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine and Glaze
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the pineapple jalapeño sauce over the top. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well-coated and heated through.
- Serve
- Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, spooning extra sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.