Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Honey-Mustard Glaze and Pineapple Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs glazed with a honey-mustard sauce, topped with a vibrant pineapple salsa that adds sweetness and freshness. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends (about 1.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, salt, black pepper 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 350 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in chicken thighs and season evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs skin side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken and cook another 6-7 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and stir in 3 tablespoons honey and 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the glaze over each piece, cooking for another minute to coat thoroughly.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and 1 small minced jalapeño in a bowl. Mix well to form a fresh salsa.
  7. Step 7: Serve the glazed chicken thighs topped with generous spoonfuls of pineapple salsa for a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Honey-Mustard Glaze and Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Honey-Mustard Glaze and 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Honey-Mustard Glaze and 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Honey-Mustard Glaze and Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Honey-Mustard Glaze and Pineapple Salsa?

Caribbean chicken 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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