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–+ servings
Caramelized Pineapple Chicken with juicy chicken thighs, caramelized pineapple, and a glossy sweet-savory sauce in a skillet.

Caramelized Pineapple Chicken

Caramelized Pineapple Chicken is a quick one-pan dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs, sweet caramelized pineapple, garlic, ginger, and a glossy sweet-savory glaze. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights.
Couverts4 servings
Preparation 10 minutes
Preparation time:20 minutes
Total time 30 minutes
estimated costs pp $3.85 per person
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and black pepper.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked.
  • Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  • Add the pineapple to the skillet.
  • Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until caramelized.
  • Stir in the garlic and ginger.
  • Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar.
  • Pour the sauce into the skillet.
  • Mix the cornstarch with the water.
  • Stir the slurry into the sauce.
  • Simmer until thick and glossy.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet.
  • Coat the chicken with the sauce.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and optional crushed red pepper.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes & Wine Advice

Recipe Notes

Chicken thighs stay juicy during cooking, but chicken breasts can also be used for a leaner meal.
Allow the pineapple to caramelize before adding the sauce for the richest flavor.
Do not overcrowd the skillet, or the chicken will steam instead of brown.
Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables to enjoy the sweet-savory glaze.

Wine Advice

An off-dry Riesling or chilled Gewürztraminer pairs beautifully with the sweet pineapple and savory sauce.
For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling pineapple water or iced green tea.

Nutrition values

Calories: 445 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Protein: 34 g | Fat: 21 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Sodium: 10 mg | Sugar: 22 g
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Course; Chicken / Dinner / Main Course
Cuisine; American / Asian
Season: All Seasons
Diets; Dairy-Free
Occasions Family Dinner / Quick Dinner / Weekend