Honey Garlic Pineapple Chicken

My roommate walked in while I was caramelizing pineapple and chicken in honey garlic sauce, her eyes wide at the sticky, glossy coating clinging to every piece. That smell of sweet garlic hitting hot pineapple is something that makes people pause in the doorway. Now it is the recipe she requests most.

Last winter I made this on a Tuesday when we needed something that felt like comfort but did not take hours. The way the red pepper adds little crunch against tender chicken is the kind of texture that makes every bite satisfying. My husband ate three helpings.

Ingredients

• Chicken: Thighs stay juicier than breasts through the high heat caramelization step
• Cornstarch coating: This creates that restaurant style seal that keeps sauce clinging to each piece
• Honey and soy sauce: The honey thickens into gloss while soy adds depth without heavy saltiness
• Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics make the difference between flat sauce and something vibrant
• Pineapple: Fresh holds its texture better but canned works when you need a quick weeknight solution
• Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and color that contrasts beautifully with the golden sauce

Instructions

Prep the chicken:

Toss pieces with salt, pepper, and cornstarch until every surface is dusted

Make the glaze:

Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, ginger, and pepper flakes until smooth

Sear the chicken:

Cook in hot oil until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per batch

Cook the vegetables:

Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, then add pineapple briefly

Combine and glaze:

Return chicken, pour sauce over everything, and simmer until thickened

Finish and serve:

Top with green onions and sesame seeds while still steaming hot

Save

This became my go to for potlucks after people started asking for the recipe before they even finished their plates. Something about pineapple and honey garlic just makes people feel taken care of.

Make It Spicier

Double the red pepper flakes or add sriracha directly into the sauce for heat that cuts through the sweetness. The spice hits differently when balanced against honey and pineapple.

Serving Ideas

Steamed jasmine rice soaks up the sauce best, but cauliflower rice works if you want lighter. Fried rice on the side feels extra but makes this a full meal.

Getting The Best Texture

Pat chicken completely dry before coating in cornstarch, otherwise moisture creates steam instead of sear. Patience in this one step changes everything.

• Cut pineapple and vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking
• Keep heat medium high so sauce reduces instead of just simmering
• Let chicken rest 2 minutes before tossing in sauce to lock in juices

Save

This is the kind of dinner that makes weeknight cooking feel like something special instead of just another meal to get through.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. However, thighs tend to stay juicier during cooking. If using breasts, reduce cooking time slightly as they cook faster.

→ What's the best way to serve this dish?

This honey garlic pineapple chicken pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice, or your favorite noodles. The sauce is delicious when mixed with rice to soak up all the flavorful juices.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

The chicken and sauce can be prepared separately ahead of time, but for best results, cook the dish just before serving. The pineapple tends to release more liquid when sitting, which can make the sauce thinner.

→ Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes are optional and add minimal heat. For a spicier version, double the amount or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

→ Can I use frozen pineapple?

Fresh pineapple provides the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain well before adding to the pan, as excess moisture can make the sauce too thin.