When it comes to combining flavors, few ingredients are as versatile and delicious as pineapple. Add some juicy chicken to the mix, and you’ve got a match made in heaven! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for your next gathering, sweet pineapple chicken recipes are sure to satisfy. From savory stir-fries to tangy tacos, we’ve gathered 18 mouthwatering recipes that feature the sweetness of pineapple paired with the richness of chicken.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through some of our favorite sweet pineapple chicken recipes, each one showcasing the unique flavors and textures that this iconic fruit has to offer. So grab your apron, sharpen those knives, and get ready to indulge in a world of flavor!
Honey Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry
A sweet and savory stir-fry that combines juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a hint of honey, all wrapped up in a flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the pineapple chunks and cook until caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and soy sauce. Pour the mixture over the pineapple and stir to combine.
6. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat with the honey-pineapple sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Elevate your backyard BBQ with these sweet and savory skewers that combine juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a hint of teriyaki sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, olive oil, honey, and ginger. Add chicken and pineapple; toss to coat.
3. Thread chicken, pineapple, and any remaining marinade onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pineapple Coconut Chicken Curry
Pineapple Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe
This recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with the creaminess of coconut and the warmth of Indian spices to create a unique and delicious curry.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup grated fresh ginger
– 2 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp curry powder
– 1/2 tsp turmeric
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken, bell peppers, ginger, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and the vegetables are tender (about 10 minutes).
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Thighs
Add a tropical twist to your weeknight dinner with this easy-to-make recipe. Moist chicken thighs are smothered in a tangy BBQ sauce and topped with caramelized pineapple, all under the warmth of the oven.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into wedges
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large baking dish and brush with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Spoon the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
5. Top each thigh with a pineapple wedge.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and pineapple is caramelized.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Pineapple Jalapeño Chicken Tacos
Get ready to spice up your taco game with this sweet and sizzling recipe! This unique combination of flavors will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar), for serving
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Add chicken and mix until coated. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. In a separate pan, cook chopped jalapeños in a little olive oil until softened.
5. Slice grilled chicken into strips and add to the pan with jalapeños. Stir in pineapple chunks.
6. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble tacos by placing chicken mixture onto tortillas, followed by shredded cheese and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Pineapple Soy Chicken
This recipe combines the flavors of sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce with tender chicken, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, so you can come home to a delicious meal without much effort.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and ginger.
2. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh pineapple wedges and chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours
Pineapple Ginger Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These sweet and savory wraps combine the flavors of grilled chicken, pineapple, and ginger with crisp lettuce leaves. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
– 1 ripe pineapple, chunks removed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, and ginger.
3. Brush the mixture on both sides of the chicken breast.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Assemble wraps by placing grilled chicken, pineapple chunks, and cilantro onto a lettuce leaf.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice
A flavorful twist on a classic dish, this Spicy Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice combines the sweetness of pineapple with the heat of sriracha and the savory taste of chicken.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon sriracha sauce (or more to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Push the chicken aside and add garlic, pineapple, soy sauce, and sriracha. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Add cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Stir-fry the mixture until the rice is heated through and starting to brown, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pineapple Mango Chicken Salad
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of pineapple and mango with the savory flavor of grilled chicken, all tied together with a zesty dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1 cup mixed greens
– 1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1/2 cup diced fresh mango
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
2. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, pineapple, mango, and nuts.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
5. Add the sliced chicken to the salad and toss with the dressing.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pineapple Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas
Pineapple Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas: A sweet and spicy twist on traditional quesadillas, featuring the bold flavors of chipotle peppers and juicy pineapple.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: cilantro, sour cream, diced tomatoes
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine chicken, chipotle peppers, pineapple, garlic, and olive oil. Mix well.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with half of the cheese. Add 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture on top.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
5. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
7. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pineapple Hoisin Chicken Noodle Bowl
Transform your mealtime with this sweet and savory recipe that combines juicy chicken, crunchy noodles, and tangy pineapple. This Asian-inspired bowl is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 cups cooked rice noodles
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp honey
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
4. Toss cooked chicken with pineapple chunks, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve chicken mixture over cooked noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pineapple Rum Glazed Chicken Wings
Sweet and savory, these chicken wings are perfect for your next gathering or game day party! This recipe combines the tropical flavors of pineapple and rum with a hint of spice to create an irresistible snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tablespoons dark rum
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, rum, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Arrange the wings in a single layer.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Glaze the wings with any remaining sauce and return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until caramelized.
Cooking Time: 35-42 minutes
Pineapple Basil Chicken Pizza
This sweet and savory pizza combines the freshness of basil with the juiciness of pineapple and chicken, creating a unique flavor profile that’s sure to impress. Perfect for a dinner party or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1 pre-made pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza crust to desired thickness.
3. Spread the chicken, pineapple, and basil evenly over the crust.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pineapple Sriracha Chicken Sliders
Elevate your slider game with this flavorful fusion of juicy chicken, tangy pineapple, and spicy sriracha. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
– 1 ripe pineapple, diced
– 12 slider buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together chicken, pineapple juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Form into 12 equal patties.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, toast slider buns on the grill.
6. Assemble sliders with grilled chicken, diced pineapple, and sriracha sauce.
7. Add lettuce, tomato, and cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pineapple Lime Chicken Fajitas
Get ready for a flavorful twist on traditional fajitas! This recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with the brightness of lime to create a unique and delicious chicken dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow)
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 small flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add bell peppers and pineapple to the skillet. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
6. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble fajitas by placing chicken and vegetable mixture onto tortillas.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pineapple Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
A sweet and savory stir-fry that combines juicy chicken, crunchy cashews, and tropical pineapple – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup cashews, toasted and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or sesame oil for stir-frying
Instructions:
1. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey to the pan and stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. Add pineapple, cashews, and cilantro to the pan and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Return chicken to the pan and stir-fry until everything is well combined.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pineapple Mustard Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
Sweet and tangy, these Pineapple Mustard Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful appetizer. The combination of juicy chicken, sticky glaze, and tropical flavors will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, honey, mustard, and olive oil.
3. Season chicken drumsticks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Place drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush glaze evenly over the chicken.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pineapple Cilantro Chicken Tacos
Get ready for a tropical twist on traditional tacos! This recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with the freshness of cilantro and the boldness of chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Sliced radishes, lime wedges, and sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine pineapple and cilantro in a small bowl.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos by slicing grilled chicken and serving with pineapple-cilantro mixture, radishes, lime wedges, and sour cream (if using).
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to taste the sweet and savory fusion of pineapple and chicken with these 18 mouth-watering recipes! From classic stir-fries and skewers to tacos, salads, and pizzas, there’s something for every palate. Try the Honey Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry, Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, or Pineapple Coconut Chicken Curry for a taste of tropical paradise. Or, go bold with spicy options like Pineapple Jalapeño Chicken Tacos or Pineapple Sriracha Chicken Sliders. Whatever your flavor profile, these sweet and savory recipes are sure to delight!
