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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.