Pineapple-Coconut Glazed Chicken with Lime Herb Marinade

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

Juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet-tart pineapple-coconut glaze, finished with a zesty lime-herb crust for a tropical dinner centerpiece. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends (1.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, coconut milk, pineapple juice 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 450 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup coconut milk, 2 tbsp pineapple juice, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 bone-in chicken thighs in a resealable bag, pour the marinade over them, and seal. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from marinade (discard excess), place skin-side down in the pan, and cook for 6 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Flip chicken, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 7 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is crispy.
  6. Step 6: Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then serve with 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks and a sprinkle of additional thyme.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pineapple-Coconut Glazed Chicken with Lime Herb Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pineapple-Coconut Glazed Chicken with Lime Herb Marinade?

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 Pineapple-Coconut Glazed Chicken with Lime Herb Marinade?

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 Pineapple-Coconut Glazed Chicken with Lime Herb Marinade 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 Pineapple-Coconut Glazed Chicken with Lime Herb Marinade?

American 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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