Pineapple Chicken Curry

Name: Pineapple Chicken Curry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups diced chicken breast; 1 cup diced fresh pineapple; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 1 tablespoon curry powder; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 cup coconut milk; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Nourish & Refresh Recipes

I absolutely love making Pineapple Chicken Curry when I crave a blend of sweet and savory flavors. The juicy chunks of pineapple combined with tender chicken and aromatic spices create a symphony of taste that transports me to my favorite tropical destinations. This dish comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend feast. I appreciate how easily it can be customized with different vegetables or spice levels, giving me endless opportunities to make it my own.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-29T11:28:46.638Z

When I first attempted making Pineapple Chicken Curry, I was skeptical about the combination of flavors. However, to my surprise, the sweet pineapple beautifully balanced the spices, enhancing the dish rather than overpowering it. I experimented with different curry pastes, and now I swear by a medium spiced version that complements the pineapple perfectly.

One of my favorite tips is to let the chicken marinate in the curry paste for at least 15 minutes before cooking. This tenderizes the chicken and infuses every bite with flavor. Each time I make it, I’m amazed at how this simple step elevates the overall dish.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A delightful fusion of sweet pineapple and savory spices
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights
Versatile and easy to customize with seasonal ingredients

      

The Role of Pineapple in the Dish

Pineapple serves as a crucial ingredient in this curry, lending its natural sweetness and acidity. This balance brightens the overall flavor profile of the dish, cutting through the richness of the coconut milk. Choosing ripe, fresh pineapple ensures optimal sweetness; overripe pineapple may lead to an overly sweet curry. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, you could substitute it with canned pineapple, but make sure to drain it well to avoid overwhelming the sauce with liquid.

The pineapple also brings a wonderful texture to the dish. When added in the later cooking stages, it remains juicy and slightly firm, providing a pleasant contrast to the tender chicken. To vary the texture further, consider grilling the pineapple pieces before adding them to the curry; this method enhances the caramelization, imparting a smoky flavor that complements the spices beautifully.

Customizing Your Curry

One of the joys of this recipe is its inherent versatility. Feel free to swap out chicken for proteins like shrimp or tofu for a different take, especially if you're looking for a lighter option. Tofu works exceptionally well when pressed to remove excess moisture; cubing it and marinating briefly in curry powder and soy sauce enhances the flavor absorption. Adjusting the cooking time is essential—shrimp cooks quickly and will only need a few minutes in the skillet until opaque.

For a boost of nutrition and color, you could include vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach. Adding these at the same time as the pineapple allows them to cook just enough to remain vibrant and crisp. If you're looking to increase the spice level, consider incorporating sliced red chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the aromatics. This allows you to adjust the heat according to your preference.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups diced chicken breast
1 cup diced fresh pineapple
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 cup coconut milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with curry powder, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 15 minutes to marinate.

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute.

Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

Add Pineapple and Coconut Milk

Stir in the diced pineapple and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serve

Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot over rice or with naan, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Pro Tips

For added crunch, consider tossing in some bell peppers or cashews right before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or warm naan for a complete meal.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Pineapple Chicken Curry is an excellent candidate for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken the night before, allowing the flavors to deepen. Store the marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will be ready to cook when you are short on time. Additionally, you can prepare the sauce with coconut milk and spices ahead of time, refrigerating it separately until you’re ready to combine with the chicken and pineapple.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This dish also reheats well, making it an ideal option for lunch the next day. Just be sure to gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from separating.

Serving Suggestions

This Pineapple Chicken Curry pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or coconut rice, which enhances the tropical feel of the dish. You might consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or basil to add a fresh herbaceous note. A squeeze of lime juice just before serving brightens the flavors even more and adds a zesty dimension that can elevate the entire meal.

For a complete dining experience, serve the curry with warm naan or or homemade flatbreads to soak up the delicious sauce. If you're catering to a larger gathering, consider rounding out the meal with a simple cucumber salad or some pickled vegetables, which will offer a refreshing crunch that contrasts with the richness of the curry.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pineapple works well. Just be sure to drain it to avoid excess moisture.

→ What can I substitute for coconut milk?

You can use heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, though the flavor will differ slightly.

→ Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe is mild, but you can easily add chili flakes or fresh chilies for extra heat.

→ How can I make it vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and continue as directed for a delicious vegetarian option.