Name: Chicken Adobo with Pineapple
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 tbsp. avocado oil (or other neutral oil); 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tsp. black peppercorns; 2 bay leaves; 20 oz. can pineapple chunks (drained); 2 tbsp. brown sugar; 2 tbsp. white vinegar; 5 garlic cloves (minced)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Filipino inspired chicken adobo with pineapple is equal parts sweet and tangy. Made with tender chicken thighs cooked in a richly seasoned sauce and finished with pineapple chunks for a hint of sweetness.

chicken adobo with pineapple plated in a low tan bowl garnished with green onions.

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s a little bit different but simple to prepare, this one hits the spot. Serve these adobo chicken thighs with a simple vegetable and white rice for a dinner that can be on the table within 30 minutes.

Chicken adobo is typically seen as chicken thighs coated in a rich adobo sauce. Most traditional adobo sauces are made up of vinegar, brown sugar, bay leaves and garlic. There are lots of variations to this recipe, but that is a general base.

You could certainly use fresh pineapple however, canned pineapple makes it exceptionally easy to prepare! Your best bet is to use pineapple chunks in their own juice. You can drain the juice and save it for another recipe.

For more unique and delicious chicken thighs, recipes check out crispy chicken teriyaki and soy sauce garlic chicken thighs.

Ingredients

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are one of my favorite proteins to use because they stay moister than chicken breasts. You can use chicken breast here or even bone in chicken thighs although the cook time will be different.
Pineapple: Because the pineapple is being cooked, I find canned pineapple to be much easier and not much of a noticeable difference from fresh.
Garlic: Lots of it. Dice small to ensure it cooks through and doesn't stay crunchy.
Brown Sugar: This adds a rich sweetness to the sauce from the molasses. You can also use honey if you prefer.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce (or coconut aminos) serve as the base of the marinade. This also gives saltiness to the dish, so I don't find that extra salt is needed.
White Vinegar: Vinegar is a classic ingredient in chicken adobo and helps tenderize the chicken.
Blend of Spices: Black peppercorns and bay leaves. You can eat the black peppercorns if you want, they soften a bit from cooking.

How to prepare

chicken and marinade unmixed in a white bowl.

Step 1. To a large bowl, add chicken thighs, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and spices.

chicken thighs in adobo marinade in a white bowl.

Step 2. Stir to coat. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.

Step 3. In a deep skillet, heat oil over medium heat.

Add chicken thighs and sear until brown, around 4 minutes per side.

finished dish before pineapple has been added.

Step 4. Once cooked through, add leftover marinade to the pan. Reduce heat to low and allow sauce to reduce by half, around 5 minutes.

Step 5. Add in pineapple chunks, stir, and serve.

Recipe Tip

If you want a thicker sauce, you can make a cornstarch slurry and add it in at the end. Combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Add mixture to the adobo sauce and stir to thicken.

What to serve with chicken adobo

For a super easy meal, serve this with a vegetable and plain white rice.

Some other tasty side dishes what would pair well are Instant Pot Rice Pilaf, Mango Corn Salsa, and Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice.

More chicken thigh recipes

Did you enjoy this Chicken Adobo with Pineapple? I would love for you to let me know by leaving a comment and star rating. I can't wait to hear from you!