The sun-drenched sweetness of fresh pineapple mingles with the aromatic essence of garlic and the golden, tender bites of chicken, creating a dish that feels both special and comforting. As the sauce simmers, the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that dances around your home, beckoning everyone to the table. Picture that first bite—the juicy chicken is coated in a glossy, sticky sauce that promises layers of flavor. It’s moments like these that transport me back to summers spent grilling and gathering with family, where shared laughter and good food never failed to bring joy.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Honey Garlic Pineapple Chicken
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Honey Garlic Pineapple Chicken

Honey Garlic Pineapple Chicken is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings a cheerful vibe to any dinner table. And since it comes together in under thirty minutes, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights or unexpected gatherings. You’ll absolutely want to give this dish a try—your taste buds will certainly thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 30 minutes, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and juicy pineapple creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright bell peppers and golden chicken make for a visually stunning dish that’s sure to impress.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner, a lunch leftovers delight, or even a casual gathering with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free lifestyles by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Ideal for tender, juicy bites. If desired, you can swap with tofu for a vegetarian option.
All-purpose flour: This helps create a light crust on the chicken; gluten-free flour can be used as an alternative.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
Avocado oil: A great high-heat cooking oil with a neutral flavor; you can also use vegetable or canola oil here.
Honey: Provides that delightful sweetness. For a vegan alternative, try maple syrup.
Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic adds robust flavor; jarred minced garlic can be used if you’re in a time crunch.
Soy sauce: This brings the umami depth; gluten-free tamari works beautifully instead.
Cornstarch + water: Used to create a slurry that thickens our sauce; you can substitute with arrowroot powder.
Pineapple chunks: Canned works perfectly for convenience, but fresh pineapple will enhance the dish’s freshness.
Bell pepper: Adds color and crunch; feel free to use red or yellow for a sweeter flavor.
Green onions & sesame seeds: These make lovely garnishes that add a pop of color and texture.
Rice or pasta: Serve this dish over your favorite carbs to soak up all that delicious sauce.

How to Make Honey Garlic Pineapple Chicken

Cook Rice or Noodles: If you’re planning to serve your **Honey Garlic Pineapple Chicken** with rice or noodles, start by cooking them according to the package directions. This way, you’ll have a warm base ready once your chicken is done, making the whole meal come together seamlessly.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Toss the bite-sized pieces of chicken in this mixture until fully coated. This step not only flavors the chicken but also helps create that signature crispy outer layer.

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, ¼ cup soy sauce, and a slurry made from 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water. Stir well until combined; this fabulous sauce will be the magic that ties all the flavors together.

Heat Oil and Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat ½ cup of avocado oil over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the chicken pieces, ensuring they have enough space to brown evenly (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning frequently until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest.

Sauté Bell Pepper: Using the same skillet, add 1 chopped bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. The added flavor from the pan next enhances the dish with a lovely hint of sweetness.

Make the Sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet, then add the drained pineapple chunks. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the sauce to thicken just a little, creating a sticky glaze that clings to the chicken and veggies.

Combine and Heat Through: Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat well in that luscious sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until heated through and glossy. The sight is something you’ll not be able to resist!

Serve and Garnish: Serve your aromatic **Honey Garlic Pineapple Chicken** hot, over the rice or pasta you made earlier. Feel free to sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that extra touch of elegance. Dig in and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Honey Garlic Pineapple Chicken, simply place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and it can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat in a skillet on medium heat until warm, or pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes. Just remember that the texture may soften slightly, but a fresh cook with some added sauce or a splash of water while reheating can help revive it!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid soggy chicken, make sure the oil is hot before adding, which helps achieve a nice crust.
If you have trouble with the sauce thickening, whisk a little more cornstarch with water and add it gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
You can switch up the veggies—think snap peas or broccoli for a fun twist!
Use leftover sauce as a marinate for grilled meats or veggies for extra flavorful meals.
Feel free to prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick assembly later.

The combination of sweet and savory in this dish creates a memorable meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re serving it on a casual family night or hosting friends, it’s sure to be a hit. You can play around with the ingredients and make it your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with shrimp, tofu, or even pork. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked properly. Shrimp takes about 3-4 minutes, while tofu needs a good golden sear for the best texture.

How spicy is this dish?

This Honey Garlic Pineapple Chicken isn’t spicy, but if you like a kick, consider adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or finely minced jalapeños during the sautéing process.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, but it also goes well with fried rice or even noodles. You can get creative with sides, like a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken, sauce, and veggies ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for a quick stir-fry meal later. Just combine and heat when you’re ready to serve!

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Honey Garlic Pineapple Chicken

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

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Description

Savor the incredible flavor of Honey Garlic Pineapple Chicken—a quick dish featuring tender chicken and juicy pineapple in a savory-sweet sauce, perfect for a busy night.

Ingredients

Boneless skinless chicken breasts
All-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper
Avocado oil
Honey
Garlic cloves, minced
Soy sauce
Cornstarch + water
Pineapple chunks
Bell pepper
Green onions & sesame seeds
Rice or pasta

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Instructions

Cook rice or noodles according to package directions.
Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and coat the chicken.
Whisk together wet ingredients for the sauce.
Heat oil and cook the chicken until golden brown.
Sauté the bell pepper until tender-crisp.
Make the sauce and simmer with pineapple chunks.
Combine chicken with the sauce and heat through.
Serve over rice or pasta, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Prep the sauce ahead of time for quicker cooking.