Hawaiian Sunset Glazed Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 3.8 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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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.

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