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Pineapple Coconut Chicken Recipe

Pineapple Coconut Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 31 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Pineapple Coconut Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy coconut milk and pineapple sauce, enhanced with garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice. This tropical dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner served over jasmine or coconut rice and garnished with fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1½ lb chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp oil

Sauce

  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (full-fat for best flavor)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving

  • Cooked jasmine rice or coconut rice
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions

Instructions

  1. Season & sear chicken: Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken chunks until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to retain juices.
  2. Build sauce: Using the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant to infuse the oil. Add the coconut milk, pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, lime juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine all flavors.
  3. Simmer: Return the seared chicken to the pan with the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover or leave partially covered, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, coating the chicken beautifully.
  4. Finish & serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed with extra salt, pepper, or lime juice. Serve the pineapple coconut chicken hot over cooked jasmine or coconut rice. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or sliced green onions for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • For added color and nutrition, stir in sliced bell peppers or snap peas during the sauce simmering step.
  • To create a tropical curry variation, add 1–2 teaspoons of curry powder along with the other sauce ingredients.
  • Top with toasted coconut flakes just before serving for extra texture and flavor.
  • Use full-fat coconut milk for creamier texture and richer taste.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or fragrant coconut rice to complement the tropical flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pineapple Chicken, Coconut Chicken, Tropical Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meals, Comfort Food, Chicken Recipe, Pineapple Coconut Sauce

Find it online: https://maicook.com/pineapple-coconut-chicken-recipe/