Chicken Pineapple Adobo is a smoky, sweet, spicy delight. This dish has a huge depth of flavor you will crave. Served over fresh made, creamy coconut rice. we were blown away by this combination, you will absolutely love the unique flavor to this meal.

Why Make Chicken Pineapple Adobo 

I was experimenting with this dish a lot. I had something similar at a restaurant and I couldn’t stop dreaming about it. The sweet, smokey, spice flavors are so incredible. There are two type of adobo flavor out there, traditionally this dish is made with a Filipino “adobo flavor” but I changed it up! I grabbed Chipotles in adobo and made due. I think you are going to love this.

• Customize it! You can make it sweeter if needed and lighter on the spice.
• Garlicky. This is a must for me when it comes to savory dishes.
• Quick.
• Flavorful. The flavor here is unmatched, I know you will love it.

Ingredient Notes

All other ingredients and measurements can be found in the recipe card towards the bottom of this post. 

• Chicken Breasts, or thighs works best for this recipe.
• Seasonings. Salt, pepper for the chicken.
• Pineapple. This is for the sauce, to add sweetness and to grill as a side for the chicken.
• Soy Sauce. This add umami and salt to the dish. Tamari will work as well.
• Oil. This is to help keep the sauce viscus and to help keep it from sticking.
• Chipotles in Adobo. This is the mexican style adobo flavor, you can find it in the international aisle.
• Garlic and Fresh Ginger. Both add a depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Honey. This add a sweet and stickiness to the chicken. You can also use brown sugar.
• Rice. This is for the coconut rice (which is optional!)
• Coconut Milk. To make the coconut rice (again this is optional). I recommend full fat coconut for the best texture.
• Cilantro. For garnish and color.

Recipe Variations

• Make it healthier. Skip the coconut rice this will save on loads of calories (however that coconut rice is undeniably the perfect match).
• Add more veggies. You can sauté or grill up some bell peppers to add to this dish.

Steps To Make Chicken Pineapple Adobo 

Step One. Prep the chicken, pat dry and season on both sides with salt and pepper.

Step Two. Start the rice. Rinse the rice, add it to a medium sized sauce pan. Add in the water, coconut milk, sugar. Bring it to a simmer with a lid on and simmer lightly for 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is al dente. 

Step Three. In a small food processor, blitz all the sauce ingredients until smooth. Give it a taste and decide if you want to add more honey.

Step Four. Pour half of the pineapple adobo sauce over the seasoned chicken in a large bowl. Poke the chicken with a fork several times all over (this helps to tenderize it) let it marinate for about 20 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step Five. Start the grill! Turn it on medium heat. Add the breasts & leftover pineapple slices to a cleaned grill. Let the chicken cook on each side for about 8-10 minutes on each side, turning often. Brush the chicken often with the leftover sauce. Timing will vary depending on the grill. Keep an eye on the pineapple slices, they cook fast and vary depending on the grill. Keep a plate nearby to add them to. All other cooking methods are in the recipe card below.

Step Six. Once the chicken is finished cooking. Let it sit for a few minutes and rest. In a bowl, layer the coconut rice, Chicken Pineapple Adobo and grilled pineapples. Add extra sauce if desired. Finish off with cilantro and enjoy!

Recipe Pairings

This recipe is a stand up meal on its own but it you want some great sides or appetizers to pair with it, I have you covered.

• Serve it with a simple salad like my Green Salad or Kale Lemon Caesar.
• As far as appetizers go, try my Salad Rolls or Dry Rub Wings both pair great.

Other Chicken Recipes To Try

Lunch

Honey Mustard Chicken Wraps

Salads

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Dinner

Blackened Chicken Bowls

Lunch

Chicken Salad Wraps