Skillet Pineapple Chicken

This Skillet Pineapple Chicken is everything I want in a weeknight dinner—fast, easy, flavorful, and made with real-food ingredients. It comes together in under 30 minutes, which means less time in the kitchen and more time around the table.

The combo of sweet pineapple and savory garlic chicken is so kid-approved, mine went back for seconds. And yes, this is a Whole30-compatible dinner that feels anything but restrictive.

We’re talking saucy, sticky goodness that skips all the junk. No refined sugar, no dairy, and absolutely no gluten. This Skillet Pineapple Chicken is also Paleo, nut-free, and egg-free, making it perfect for those with food sensitivities.

You’ll only need one pan and a handful of pantry staples to bring this to life. Even better? It’s freezer-friendly, so go ahead and double it—you’ll thank yourself later.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Whole30 compatible – No added sugar, soy, grains, or dairy.

• Paleo + Dairy-free + Gluten-free – A nourishing whole-food recipe you will love!

• Nut-free + Egg-free – Allergy-friendly for the whole crew.

• Easy + Fast – Done in just 30 minutes in one skillet.

• Kid-approved – Sweet + savory always wins with picky eaters.

• Freezer-friendly – Make once, enjoy twice!

Ingredients:

All you need are simple, wholesome ingredients to make Skillet Pineapple Chicken a regular in your rotation:

• Boneless skinless chicken breast – Lean and high in protein. Use the highest quality you can afford. 

• Olive oil – For sautéing and adding richness.

• Salt + pepper – Season generously!

• Minced garlic – Adds that savory depth we all love. I prefer to get pre-minced garlic such as this one from Walmart to save time, especially in a “get it done” recipe like this one. But you can always mince your own garlic if you prefer and have time from whole garlic bulbs. 

• Green bell pepper + Red bell pepper – For color, flavor boost, and nutrients.

• Canned pineapple tidbits – We will use the juice too, it sweetens the sauce naturally.

• Coconut aminos – A soy-free, Whole30 compatible way to add rich flavor. A great Paleo substitution for soy sauce. I use this brand from Walmart, though Trader Joe’s has one that’s even more affordable if you have a TJ’s near you. 

• Potato starch or arrowroot starch – To thicken the sauce without gluten. Find arrowroot flour here on Amazon or potato starch here on Amazon. I don’t recommend tapioca flour for thickening this sauce, as it makes sauces tacky. To learn more about how to use the different Paleo flours, read this blog post. 

• Steamed cauliflower rice (for Whole30 or Paleo) or cooked rice (gluten-free) to serve on. 
• Red pepper flakes and garlic salt – Optional but recommended to serve, for an extra boost of flavor. 

How to Make It:

This Skillet Pineapple Chicken is as easy as it gets, but still delivers big on flavor. Here’s how it comes together:

1. Sauté the chicken – Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breast and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the chopped peppers. Saute until cooked through and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic for the last minute of cooking time. If there is any liquid in the pan, drain before adding the sauce.
2. Make the sauce – Whisk together the pineapple juice, coconut aminos, and starch then add to the pan. Cook until thickens, about 4-5 minutes. 
3. Combine – Add the sauce to the chicken and peppers. Stir in 1/2 cup of the pineapple tidbits (save any remaining tidbits for another meal or smoothie). Top with red pepper flakes and garlic salt, if using. 
4. Serve + enjoy – Serve over cauliflower rice for Whole30, or rice for gluten-free for a grab-and-go meal.

Other Whole30 30-Min Meals You Will Love:

• Marry Me Chicken
• Salisbury Steak Meatballs
• Ground Orange Chicken
• Copycat Chipotle Chicken Salad Bowl
• Garlic Butter Chicken

Add this Skillet Pineapple Chicken to your weeknight lineup and breathe a little easier knowing you’ve got a fast, family-friendly, real-food dinner that checks all the boxes.

Skillet Pineapple Chicken

Autumn @wholefoodfor7

An EASY 30-minute skillet meal that is Whole30, paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and egg-free. Plus, it's kid-approved!

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 251 kcal

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Ingredients

 

Chicken

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast chopped into 1" pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
• 1 medium green bell pepper finely chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper finely chopped
• 1 20oz can pineapple tidbits juice drained from the can and set aside for sauce
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes recommended, but can omit
• garlic salt to taste
• 1 12-ounce bag fresh or frozen riced cauliflower steamed to serve; or can use cooked rice if not on Whole30

Sauce

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot or potato starch

Instructions

 

• Sauté the chicken – Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breast and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the chopped peppers. Saute until cooked through and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic for the last minute of cooking time. 

  If there is any liquid in the pan, drain before adding the sauce.
• Make the sauce – Whisk together the pineapple juice, coconut aminos, and starch then add to the pan. Cook until thickens, about 4-5 minutes. 
• Combine - Add the sauce to the chicken and peppers. Stir in 1/2 cup of the pineapple tidbits (save any remaining tidbits for another meal or smoothie). Top with red pepper flakes and garlic salt, if using. 
• Serve + enjoy – Serve over cauliflower rice for Whole30, or rice for gluten-free for a grab-and-go meal.

Notes

STORE leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

Nutrition

Calories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 1055mgPotassium: 555mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1077IUVitamin C: 65mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Keyword budget-friendly, dairy-free, easy, egg-free, gluten-free, kid-friendly, main dish, nut-free, paleo, whole30

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