Hawaiian Sunset Glazed Chicken with Pineapple Salsa
Juicy chicken thighs glazed in a sweet-tangy pineapple-honey sauce, served with a vibrant fresh pineapple salsa for a taste of tropical paradise. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes blends bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, diced small fresh pineapple into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup, diced small fresh pineapple
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp, minced red onion
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 2: Flip chicken and add 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, and 1 tsp soy sauce to the skillet; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup diced pineapple in a small bowl, then pour over chicken. Simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches 165°F and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: While chicken cooks, combine 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper, 2 tbsp minced red onion, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro in a bowl; toss gently to mix. Serve chicken topped with pineapple salsa and drizzle with pan sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hawaiian Sunset Glazed Chicken with Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Hawaiian Sunset Glazed Chicken with Pineapple Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hawaiian Sunset Glazed Chicken with Pineapple Salsa?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Hawaiian Sunset Glazed Chicken with Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Hawaiian Sunset Glazed Chicken with Pineapple Salsa?
American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.