Description

This Pineapple Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts or tenderloins marinated and glazed in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy pineapple sauce. Grilled or pan-seared to perfection, this dish is complemented with a flavorful pineapple glaze, green onions, and optional chili sauce, making it a delicious and vibrant meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

2 pounds chicken tenderloins or skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
1/4 cup olive oil

Marinade/Glaze Ingredients

1 cup canned pineapple juice
1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1–2 tablespoons lemon juice (1 tablespoon for less tanginess)
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1–2 teaspoons Asian chili paste (like Sambal Oelek)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons cornstarch (divided)

Garnishes and Extras

Chopped green onions
Additional Asian chili sauce (to taste)
Lemon zest (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade and Chicken: Whisk all the marinade and glaze ingredients together (except olive oil and cornstarch) in a medium bowl. Reserve 1/3 cup for the glaze and whisk in 1/4 cup olive oil with the rest of the marinade. Place the chicken in a large freezer bag or container, add the marinade mixture, and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours to marinate. Keep the reserved portion for the glaze refrigerated separately.
Bring Chicken to Room Temperature: About 15 to 30 minutes before cooking, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature to ensure even cooking.
For Grilling – Preheat and Prepare: Grease and preheat grill to medium heat, approximately 375 to 450°F. Remove chicken from marinade, drain well, and pat dry to promote good grill marks and prevent flare-ups.
Grill the Chicken: Place chicken on the grill and cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached, indicating the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
Make the Glaze: While the chicken cooks, whisk 2 teaspoons cornstarch into the reserved marinade glaze. Place the mixture in a covered saucepan on the grill or stovetop and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, remove the lid and whisk frequently until the glaze thickens. Brush the cooked chicken generously with this glaze before serving.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the glazed chicken with fresh lemon zest, chopped green onions, and add extra Asian chili sauce if desired for more heat. Serve immediately, preferably with rice.
For Stove Top Cooking – Heat Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Remove chicken from marinade, pat dry, and add to skillet.
Cook Chicken on Stove: Cook chicken undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to get a good sear. Flip, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes or until cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Prepare Glaze in Skillet: Whisk 2 teaspoons cornstarch into the reserved glaze and add to the empty skillet. Bring it to a simmer and cook until thickened, stirring occasionally. Return chicken to skillet and toss in the glaze to coat evenly.
Final Garnish and Serve: Garnish stove-top chicken with lemon zest, chopped green onions, and extra chili sauce to taste. Serve warm with sides of your choice.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours and up to 4 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
If you prefer less tanginess, use only 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
The glaze can be prepared on the grill or stovetop depending on available space.
Adjust the amount of Asian chili paste or additional chili sauce according to your preferred spice level.
To ensure even cooking, let the chicken come to room temperature before grilling or cooking on the stovetop.
Serve this dish with steamed rice or a light salad to balance the richness of the glaze.
If using chicken breasts, pounding to an even thickness ensures quicker, even cooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2-4 hours marinating)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling or Stove-Top Cooking
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 6 oz chicken with glaze)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: Pineapple chicken, grilled chicken, Asian chicken glaze, sweet and spicy chicken, healthy chicken recipe, pineapple glaze chicken