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.

Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare.

This dish features the vibrant sweetness of pineapple paired with the subtle heat of jalapeños, creating a flavor combination that’s both exciting and comforting. The caramelized glaze clings to the chicken, delivering a juicy, tender bite every time. It’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for spicing up your dinner routine while remaining simple and approachable.

Tools to Use

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.

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Easy & Best Pineapple Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

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.

Tips for Cooking

Adjust the Heat: Control the spice level by using more or fewer jalapeños, or substitute with milder peppers like banana peppers.
Pineapple Choice: Fresh pineapple adds a brighter flavor, but canned works perfectly for convenience.
Make It Saucy: For extra sauce, double the ingredients for the glaze.
Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This Easy & Best Pineapple Jalapeño Chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to make yet delivers a gourmet experience with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a unique twist on your weeknight meals, this recipe offers an exciting way to enjoy chicken with bold, tropical flavors.

If you’re in search of a recipe that brings excitement to your dinner table, look no further than this Easy & Best Pineapple Jalapeño Chicken. With its irresistible blend of sweetness and heat, this dish will have you coming back for seconds. Try it today and savor the perfect harmony of flavors in every bite!