Hawaiian Pineapple Glazed Chicken

It’s 6pm and you need dinner fast. If you’re craving something sweet and savory, this is it. This Hawaiian Pineapple Glazed Chicken is a total crowd-pleaser. You will love how easy it is to make.

This recipe delivers a tropical escape right in your kitchen. It is practical and useful for any busy night. Your family will beg for seconds every single time.

Why You’ll Make This Again

This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknight dinners. It brings a bright taste of the tropics to your table. You only need a few simple pantry staples to start. It is ready in 35 minutes from start to finish.

Kids love the sweet glaze and tender chicken pieces. It is a great way to brighten up a Summer evening. You will appreciate the minimal cleanup after a long day. This dish is reliable and delicious every time you cook it.

How This Comes Together

You start by searing the chicken until it is golden. Then you make a quick sauce in the same pan. A simple cornstarch slurry thickens the glaze perfectly. Everything happens in one large skillet for maximum ease. It is a foolproof method for any home cook.

What You’ll Need

Grab these simple ingredients to get started with your meal.

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Step-By-Step Directions

1. Whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, and minced garlic in a bowl.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken thighs to the skillet and sear for 6-8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
5. Pour the pineapple juice mixture into the same skillet and bring to a gentle boil.
6. In a small cup, combine cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the boiling sauce.
7. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glaze.
8. Stir in the fresh pineapple chunks.
9. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the glaze over them to coat thoroughly.
10. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

How To Serve It

Serve this over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up all that extra delicious glaze beautifully. You can also add some steamed broccoli on the side. It makes for a complete and balanced meal. This is perfect for a casual family-friendly dinner night.

Leftovers & Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for three days. It stays fresh and tasty in the fridge. You can reheat it easily in the microwave. The sauce might thicken more when it is cold. Just add a splash of water when reheating. It also freezes well for up to two months.

Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)

• Use chicken thighs for the juiciest results every time.
• Don’t skip the fresh ginger for the best flavor profile.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan when you sear the chicken.
• Substitute honey for brown sugar if you prefer that flavor.
• This is a great kid-approved meal for busy nights.
• Use canned pineapple if fresh fruit is not available.
• Let the sauce simmer until it coats the back of a spoon.

Easy Ways To Change It Up

• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy tropical kick.
• Use chicken breasts if you want a leaner protein option.
• Stir in red bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
• Try serving this over quinoa for a healthy twist.

Quick Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, you can certainly use chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook them for slightly less time. They can dry out faster than chicken thighs.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you make one change. Simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Always check your labels to be safe.

I hope you enjoy this tropical treat tonight. It really is the ultimate stress-free dinner. Let me know how yours turns out!

— Ethan

Hawaiian Pineapple Glazed Chicken

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 455

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarc h
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 2 green onions , sliced for garnish

Method

 

1. Whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, and minced garlic in a bowl.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken thighs to the skillet and sear for 6-8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
5. Pour the pineapple juice mixture into the same skillet and bring to a gentle boil.
6. In a small cup, combine cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the boiling sauce.
7. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glaze.
8. Stir in the fresh pineapple chunks.
9. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the glaze over them to coat thoroughly.
10. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.