Recipes

Pineapple Chicken Skillet (Easy Paleo Chicken Meal)

By Jess

5 from 2 ratings

I don’t whip out the skillet very often, but when I do, it’s always a surefire hit! I think it’s because of the aesthetic quality of serving a dish in a skillet that gets people fired up. And then once they do get that first bite, they get absolutely hooked. This pineapple chicken skillet is such an easy recipe to make and it takes just a little over half an hour to make.

pineapple chicken skillet

Pineapple Chicken Skillet

How to Make The Best (And Easiest) Pineapple Chicken Skillet

There’s a lot of debate surrounding pineapple and pizza, but pineapple and chicken are a no-brainer. The sweetness of the pineapple is fantastic with chicken thighs because it stays juicy all throughout.

First, you’ll want to season the chicken with your spices. Then, over a large skillet, you’ll want to cook the seasoned chicken thighs until golden brown on each side. Once this is done, transfer it to a plate.

pineapple chicken skillet

pineapple chicken skillet

Next, you’ll want to combine the pineapple juice, honey, coconut aminos, mustard, garlic cloves and chili powder. Season it with salt and pepper and bring it to a boil. Once the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly, add the chicken thighs back in and cook for another 20 minutes.

pineapple chicken skillet

pineapple chicken skillet

pineapple chicken skillet

Finally, top your dish with some pineapple chunks and spoon some of the sauce over the pineapple chunks on top, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until everything blends together.

pineapple chicken skillet

Best Way to Store Pineapple Chicken Leftovers

This dish actually keeps really well if you store it properly. An airtight container is all you really need to keep it fresh and ready for reheating. Add a layer of cling wrap before putting the lid on the container to keep it from getting freezer burned.

Another way to properly store leftovers like this recipe is to store the sauce separately. This ensures that it won’t just get soaked up in your chicken and will be enough for heating later on.

pineapple chicken skillet

How to Reheat Pineapple Chicken Leftovers

Leave your pineapple chicken out until it comes back down to room temperature. Once it’s not as chilled, pop it in the oven on broil for about 1-2 minutes.

Do not heat this chicken on bake, as it will further cook the chicken, which can result in it drying out.

pineapple chicken skillet

Are Chicken Thighs Healthy?

Absolutely!

Not only are chicken thighs high in protein, the dark meat actually contains a lot of vitamins and minerals as well, including taurine, Taurine has been shown to lower your risk of coronary heart disease while also helping to lower blood pressure. (1)

However, if you decide to make this dish with chicken breasts instead, please feel free! It’s great with chicken breasts too, even if it’s a leaner cut.

(You may also like: Crispy, Crunchy Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs)


Ingredients

  • For the chicken:
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 6 chicken thighs
    • ½ tsp onion powder
    • ½ tsp smoked paprika
    • ½ tsp garlic powder
    • 1 tsp chili powder
    • ½ small pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks
    • 2 spring onion, sliced
    • salt and black pepper to taste
  • For the sauce:
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 2 tbsp raw honey
    • 1 tbsp coconut aminos
    • 2 tsp mustard
    • 1/3 cup no sugar added, 100% pineapple juice

Directions

  1. Season the chicken with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder and salt and black pepper to taste.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium.
  3. Add the chicken thighs and cook until golden brown on each side.
  4. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  5. Add the pineapple juice, honey, coconut aminos, mustard, garlic cloves and chili powder.
  6. Stir to combine.
  7. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
  8. Bring to a boil.
  9. Reduce the heat.
  10. Return the chicken thighs to a skillet.
  11. Spoon the sauce over chicken.
  12. Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
  13. Add the pineapple chunks and spoon the sauce over the pineapple.
  14. Cook for 2 – 3 minutes, stirring from time to time.
  15. Sprinkle with sliced spring onion and serve.

Servings

Serving Size

1

Servings/Recipe

4

Print Recipe

More Mouthwatering Paleo Chicken Skillets You’ll Love

  1. Thank you for the recipe! It was so good—and I loved how easy it was! The chicken was so juicy and tender. Definitely a recipe I’m keeping!

    Rating: 5

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