Description
This Honey Garlic Pineapple Chicken recipe delivers tender chicken and caramelized pineapple coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s bursting with flavor and surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral cooking oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 1.5 cups fresh pineapple chunks (or well-drained canned pineapple)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional, for finishing)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt and pepper.
- 2. Make Sauce: Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar in a bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry.
- 3. Sear Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches until golden brown, 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- 4. Add Pineapple & Sauce: Add pineapple to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the honey garlic sauce and bring to a simmer.
- 5. Thicken Sauce: Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- 6. Finish & Serve: Remove from heat, drizzle with sesame oil (if using), and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins