• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Bettered Blondie
  • Search All Recipes
  • About Me
    • Work With Me
    • Disclaimer/Privacy Policy
  • Diet
    • Gluten Free
    • Dairy Free
    • Low Carb
    • Whole30
    • WW Friendly
  • Courses
    • Entrees
    • Breakfast
    • Snacks
    • Appetizer
    • Salad
    • Dessert
    • Soup
    • Sauces
    • Beverages
  • Friday Favorites
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Work With Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Entrees

    Spicy Pineapple Chicken - Paleo, Whole30

    Chicken, Dairy Free, Entrees, Gluten Free, Reader Favorites, Recipes, Recipes with Video, Whole30 March 13, 2021

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Spicy Pineapple Chicken is a one-pan dish that is loaded with sweet & spicy flavor. Tender chicken, crisp peppers and juicy pineapple are cooked in a perfect asian inspired sauce. Serve over rice (or cauliflower rice) for a delicious healthy meal that packs a punch!

    *Originally published 2018; recipe & post updated 12/2020

    What You Need:

    • Chicken Thighs - I always get mine from ButcherBox
    • Coconut Aminos - this is a Whole30 compliant alternative to soy sauce. If not doing a round, you can use Tamari (gluten free soy sauce) as well
    • Pineapple Juice & Chunks
    • Hot Sauce - use Frank's for Whole30 or sriracha if not doing a round
    • Lime Juice
    • Garlic
    • Ginger
    • Pepper Flakes
    • Jalapeno
    • Bell Peppers
    • Arrowroot Flour - this is a Whole30 compliant thickener. Can also use cornstarch if not doing a round.

    This recipe is a favorite in our home. When I am craving takeout, this is the dish I make. It is so delicious and comforting but made with healthier ingredients. I love that healthy food doesn't have to be boring, this Spicy Pineapple Chicken will not disappoint!

    Let's Cook:

    1. Make the sauce by adding the coconut aminos, pineapple juice, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic, ginger and pepper flakes to a bowl. Whisk to combine.
    2. Use sharp kitchen shears to cube your chicken thighs. Season with some salt and pepper. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat. Brown the chicken for 4-5 minutes and then set aside.
    3. Reduce heat to medium and add a little more oil. Then add the bell peppers, red onion and jalapeño. Sauté for 3 minutes. Then the chicken gets added back in with the drained pineapple. Cook for 3 minutes.
    4. Pour the sauce into the skillet. Make a slurry of arrowroot starch and water and add to the skillet. Bring sauce to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
    5. When done, serve over cauliflower rice (for Whole30) or regular rice (not Whole30) and top with fresh green onions.

    You Might Also Like:

    Instant Pot Indian Butter Chicken

    Instant Pot Pad Thai

    Sweet & Sour Meatballs

    Chicken Fajita Skillet

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer. 

    Save to Pinterest!

    Spicy Pineapple Chicken

    Sara
    This Spicy Pineapple Chicken is a one-pan dish that is loaded with sweet & spicy flavor. Tender chicken, crisp peppers and juicy pineapple are cooked in a perfect asian inspired sauce.
    4.88 from 41 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Main Course
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 414 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 lbs Chicken Thighs cubed
    • 2 cloves Garlic minced
    • 1 Tbls Fresh Ginger grated
    • ¾ cup Coconut Aminos
    • 2 Tbls Hot Sauce
    • ½ cup Pineapple Juice
    • ½ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
    • 2 Tbls Avocado Oil or olive oil
    • ½ Red Onion cut into chunks
    • 2 Jalapeños sliced
    • 1 14.5 Can Pineapple Chunks drained
    • 1 tsp Salt
    • 1 Lime
    • 2 Tbls Green Onion
    • 1 Red Bell Pepper
    • 1 Green Bell Pepper
    • 1 Tbls Arrowroot Starch
    • 1 Tbls Water

    Instructions
     

    • Drain the pineapple reserving ½ cup of the juice
      Make the sauce by adding the coconut aminos, pineapple juice, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic, ginger and pepper flakes to a bowl. Whisk to combine.
    • Use sharp kitchen shears to cube your chicken thighs. Season with some salt and pepper. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat. Brown the chicken for 4-5 minutes and then set aside.
    • Reduce heat to medium and add a little more oil. Then add the bell peppers, red onion and jalapeño. Sauté for 3 minutes. Then the chicken gets added back in with the drained pineapple. Cook for 3 minutes.
    • Pour the sauce into the skillet. Whisk together arrowroot starch and water and add to the skillet. Bring sauce to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
    • When done, serve over cauliflower rice (for Whole30) or regular rice (not Whole30) and top with fresh green onions.

    Video

    https://thebetteredblondie.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TBB-Spicy-Pineapple-Chicken-Rectangle.mp4

    Nutrition

    Calories: 414kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 148mgSodium: 1318mgPotassium: 456mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 932IUVitamin C: 57mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword gluten free, paleo, whole 30
    Tried this recipe?Mention @thebetteredblondie
    « What I Eat in a Day - Week One
    Easy Vegan Chickpea Curry »
    48578 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    • Email

    Stay Connected

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jessica

      March 02, 2022 at 9:04 am

      Is the old version of this recipe available anywhere? I’ve made it in the past & loved it, but it didn’t have the peppers and I believe there were maybe a couple of other changes?

      Reply
      • Sara

        March 02, 2022 at 9:12 am

        Hi Jessica! Yes, the main difference is the peppers. The sauce in this version was used as a marinade before. The flavor is more developed with the sauce and tastes very similar to the old version. I hope you will try it, I think you will enjoy it!

        Reply
    2. Mary Beth

      February 09, 2022 at 5:01 pm

      5 stars
      I just made this recipe for the first time tonight. It was so amazing! I am finishing up Whole 30 in a few days and so bored with my current recipes so I thought I would give this a try. Absolutely delicious! Very simple to make and it came together quickly. I am not a huge fan of spicy foods so I only used 1 jalapeno and cut back the hot sauce and chili flakes and it was perfect! This will be a regular meal in our house.

      Reply
    3. Steph

      August 30, 2021 at 8:40 pm

      What is the serving size?

      Reply
    4. Leah

      August 15, 2021 at 2:16 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is amazing! I never comment on recipes but this was sooooo good! feels like indulging somehow

      Reply
    5. Tracey

      April 28, 2021 at 4:36 am

      5 stars
      I absolutely love this recipe! Has anyone tried to freeze it? I’m trying to do some batch cooking, but am not confident in what I can freeze

      Reply
    6. Mary

      March 29, 2021 at 8:15 pm

      The ingredients says 1 lime... but the directions call for lime juice. How much lime juice are we supposed to use? Is it 2 tablespoons/an ounce or two?

      Reply
      • Sara

        March 29, 2021 at 8:17 pm

        Hi Mary, it is the juice of one lime

        Reply
    7. Amanda

      January 24, 2021 at 4:14 pm

      Hi there. I loved the original version and was wondering if you have that posted somewhere? I reference it a lot! I should have it memorized by now!

      Reply
      • Sara

        January 24, 2021 at 7:42 pm

        Hey Amanda, I wrote out how I changed the recipe in the post so that people can still make it the old way. The sauce is the same, just use it as a marinade and leave out the bell peppers. I hope that helps!

        Reply
    8. Kathryn Podobnik

      January 10, 2021 at 9:51 pm

      5 stars
      Added carrots and celery to bulk up the veggies and added some chopped peanuts and cilantro on top. But really, the true gem here is the sauce!

      Served for family and everyone loved it. Husband says it’s a must to do again!

      Thank you

      Reply
      • Sara

        January 11, 2021 at 8:42 pm

        Love that you added in more veggies and so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    9. Jessica

      December 16, 2020 at 10:27 pm

      5 stars
      This is the first recipe that I made. I stumbled across you on Instagram and this just looked delish. IT SO WAS. Totally satisfied my chinese good cravings and hubby...who can pick out all the healthy swaps I do (aka coconut aminos for soy sauce etc) ..... LOVED IT....so double win! Perfectly sweet, a little spice....so nice 🙂

      Reply
    10. Amanda

      December 02, 2020 at 4:40 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my favorites, I’ve made your recipe many times and I always love it!!

      Reply
      • Sara

        December 10, 2020 at 10:08 am

        5 stars
        So glad to hear this Amanda, thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    11. Jamie

      October 24, 2020 at 9:37 am

      Would this recipe work with chicken breast instead of thighs?

      Reply
      • Sara

        October 27, 2020 at 5:31 pm

        5 stars
        Yes, you can use cubed breasts instead and it will still be delicious!

        Reply
    12. Jessica S

      August 27, 2020 at 6:00 pm

      5 stars
      Tried this earlier and loved it. Making it again! Delicious!

      Reply
      • Sara

        August 27, 2020 at 6:52 pm

        5 stars
        I am so glad to hear this Jessica, thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    13. Jen

      July 05, 2020 at 6:40 pm

      5 stars
      I changed this to an Instant Pot recipe by setting to sauté and adding the onion and chopped jalapeños. I took the marinated chicken from the fridge and added to the pot. I popped the lid on and pressure cooked for 7 minutes. After releasing the air, I added the pineapple chunks, salt and lime. Cooked on sauté once again for a few minutes before serving over rice with broccoli (I’m not following paleo diet!) Great recipe!

      Reply
      • Sara

        July 05, 2020 at 7:50 pm

        5 stars
        So glad to hear you enjoyed it Jen and I love that you made it an IP dish!

        Reply
    14. Madi W.

      June 17, 2020 at 8:28 am

      5 stars
      I received feedback that this is one of the best dishes I have EVER made!! And it was easy to make and easy clean up! Thank you! Will definitely be making again!

      Reply
      • Sara

        June 17, 2020 at 9:18 am

        5 stars
        Thank you for sharing Madi, so happy to hear that 🙂

        Reply
    15. Jesseca

      December 16, 2019 at 9:27 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipe so much! It was super easy to make took me no time at all, tasted amazing! I served mine with cauliflower rice and I feel really good about eating something that tasted good that I know was good for me! Thank you for all your hard work and these amazing recipes that you perfect!

      Reply
      • Sara

        December 26, 2019 at 1:30 pm

        5 stars
        Thank you for sharing Jesseca, I am so glad that you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    16. Allyson

      October 27, 2019 at 6:54 pm

      5 stars
      Such a yummy and easy recipe! Very clean and my whole family loved!!!! I will definitely make again soon!

      Reply
      • Sara

        February 03, 2020 at 11:18 am

        5 stars
        So glad to hear this Allyson!

        Reply
      • Chelsea

        February 26, 2020 at 10:49 pm

        Hi, is the calorie count per serving or 387 is for the 6 servings?

        Reply
        • Sara

          June 17, 2020 at 9:20 am

          5 stars
          Hi Chelsea, that is for one serving

          Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi Loves! My name is Sara and I am the woman behind The Bettered Blondie. I have been creating healthy, easy and delicious home cooked meals in my kitchen for over 14 years. I am passionate about helping you make incredible meals that you can feel good about serving your family..

    More about me →

    Popular

    • The Best Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies
    • Low Carb Shrimp and Sausage Skillet
    • 3 Healthy Immune Boosting Juices
    • Whole30 + Keto Spicy Garlic Aioli

    Footer

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2020 The Bettered Blondie