Honey-Glazed Pineapple Chicken

Name: Honey-Glazed Pineapple Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Taste the World Recipes

I absolutely love this Honey-Glazed Pineapple Chicken recipe! The combination of sweet honey and tangy pineapple creates a delicious glaze that enhances the juicy chicken. Cooking it all together not only allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but the result is also visually stunning. I often serve this dish at gatherings, where it always receives rave reviews. It’s a simple yet impressive meal that showcases how easy it can be to elevate everyday ingredients for a satisfying dinner.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-30T03:37:58.241Z

When I first tried making this dish, I was amazed at how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. I used fresh pineapple, which really makes a difference. The natural sweetness combined with the soy sauce and honey creates an irresistible sticky glaze that perfectly coats the chicken. To get that beautiful caramelization, I recommend cooking it on high heat at the end to give it that golden finish.

After perfecting the recipe, I started to experiment by adding some chopped bell peppers for extra color and crunch. This little tweak not only enhances the nutrition but also makes for an eye-catching presentation. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Unique blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Colorful presentation makes it great for entertaining.

Enhancing the Marinade

The marinade for this Honey-Glazed Pineapple Chicken is key to achieving depth of flavor. The combination of honey and soy sauce not only provides sweetness but also a balance of umami that complements the chicken beautifully. When marinating, consider extending the time to 30 minutes or even overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat. This can result in a more succulent chicken that carries the sweet-tangy essence throughout each bite.

Using fresh pineapple not only contributes flavor but also natural acidity, which helps tenderize the chicken as it marinated. If fresh pineapple is unavailable, you can opt for canned pineapple in juice—just be sure to drain it well. The sweetness from the honey will also balance the tanginess, ensuring that every element harmonizes in the finished dish.

Perfect Cooking Techniques

While sautéing the chicken, heat the olive oil until it shimmers before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that golden-brown crust that adds texture and flavor. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; this can lead to steaming instead of searing, preventing that beautiful caramelization. If you’re cooking more chicken, consider using a second skillet or cook in batches to maintain a consistent, high heat.

Once you add the pineapple and reserved marinade to the skillet, keep an eye on the simmer. You want the sauce to reduce slightly while infusing the pineapple flavor. The chicken should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Using an instant-read thermometer can help you avoid overcooking, which can make the chicken dry.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well until fully combined.

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, reserve marinade, and add chicken to the skillet. Sauté until browned, about 5-7 minutes on each side.

Add Pineapple

Add diced pineapple to the skillet and pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and pineapple. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Serve

Remove chicken from the skillet, slice it, and serve with the pineapple glaze drizzled on top. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, grill the chicken instead of sautéing it. This adds a wonderful smokiness that complements the sweetness of the glaze beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Honey-Glazed Pineapple Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious glaze. A side of sautéed greens, such as bok choy or spinach, can add a pop of color and nutrition to the plate. For an extra burst of flavor, consider a side of coconut rice, which complements the tropical notes of the pineapple magnifying the overall experience of the dish.

For entertaining, you can serve the chicken in a large platter, garnished generously with green onions and lime wedges for guests to squeeze over their portions. This not only makes for an eye-catching presentation but also allows personal customization, adding an extra layer of zest.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Honey-Glazed Pineapple Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the chicken's moisture when reheating, consider using a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it juicy. Heat until just warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken further.

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can marinate the chicken the night before. Store it in the marinade within the fridge, so it's ready to go for a quick dinner the next day. This makes meal prep a breeze while still delivering on flavor and quality.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating for best results.

→ What if I don't have fresh pineapple?

Canned pineapple can be used as a substitute. Just drain it well before adding.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time. Cook it fresh right before serving for the best taste.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken?

Serve it with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.