How to Make a Delicious Pineapple and Chicken Skillet Dinner

Pineapple and chicken skillet dinner is a classic favorite that many people love for its simplicity yet impressive flavors. It’s a versatile meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

The base of this recipe includes boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pineapple chunks, which are cooked in a skillet with some butter, garlic, soy sauce, and pepper. The cooking method is straightforward—simply sauté the ingredients until they reach the desired level of doneness. You can adjust seasoning to your taste; adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary adds an extra layer of flavor.

This recipe serves four people, providing a hearty meal with approximately 60 minutes of preparation time and about 25 minutes for cooking.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
1 can (10-ounce) crushed pineapple in juice or two cups fresh pineapple chunks
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tablespoon dried parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute.
Pierce each chicken breast into several small cuts with a fork for even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
Lay the chicken breasts in the skillet skin-side down first. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Then, turn over to continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, ensuring they are cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F).
Once done, remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
To the same skillet, add crushed pineapple along with any accumulated juices. Stir gently to mix well.
If you're using fresh pineapple chunks instead, just ensure they are chopped into bite-sized pieces. Cook until warmed through but not breaking apart; this should take about 2-3 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the pineapple mixture, ensuring it's well coated in sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed, adding more soy sauce or salt/pepper if desired.
Cook for another minute to heat everything through without letting it get too dry. Remove from heat immediately after.
Plate your dish and garnish with dried parsley (optional) before serving hot.

Tips & Variations

If you prefer, you could also make this dish using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer taste and juicier texture. Another variation would be adding bell peppers or other vegetables such as carrots or zucchini to the skillet during cooking with the pineapple.

Storage & Serving Suggestions

This pineapple and chicken skillet dinner can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days after preparation. For leftovers, you might want to serve them at room temperature rather than reheating directly from cold as this helps maintain the best texture of the chicken.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

The nutritional information per serving would vary depending on portion size but generally includes:

Calories: Approximately 350 calories
Protein: About 35 grams
Fat: Around 18 grams including unsaturated fats
Carbohydrates: Roughly 26 grams

This nutritious and flavorful pineapple and chicken skillet dinner is not only easy to prepare but also a great way to enjoy a satisfying meal rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Whether you're looking for an everyday quick lunch or dinner option or want something special for guests, this recipe delivers on taste and presentation.