Let me tell you a little story about how I discovered the Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken Recipe. I first tried this dish at my friend’s BBQ party, and wow—I immediately fell in love! Before that day, I’d never eaten this dish at Yard House, so I had no idea how delicious it could be. But after one bite of that juicy chicken with sweet pineapple and savory marinade, I was hooked.
A few weeks later, my husband and I finally tried the original version at Yard House, and guess what? He couldn’t stop raving about it! Pineapple is his favorite fruit, so the combo of tender chicken and caramelized pineapple won him over completely. That’s when I knew I had to learn to make it at home.
I asked my friend for tips, tweaked the recipe to match the flavors we loved, and after a few tries, I nailed it! Now, this tropical-inspired dish is a regular in our kitchen. Let me show you how to bring a taste of Maui to your dinner table!

Ingredients You Will Need
- Chicken Breasts (3-4 pieces, thinly sliced): Lean and tender, chicken breasts cook quickly and soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Pineapple Juice (1 tbsp): Adds natural sweetness and tang. Use fresh juice if possible!
- Coconut Aminos (2 tbsp): A gluten-free, soy-free alternative to soy sauce. It’s slightly sweeter and milder.
- Maple Syrup (1 tbsp): Balances the savory flavors with a touch of caramel-like sweetness.
- Garlic Clove (1, minced): Fresh garlic gives the dish a bold, aromatic kick.
- Fresh Ginger (½ inch, grated): Adds warmth and zing. Grate it finely for the best flavor.
- Fresh Pineapple (3-6 slices): The star ingredient! Fresh pineapple caramelizes beautifully when cooked.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 tbsp): For cooking the chicken. Its mild flavor won’t overpower the other ingredients.
Possible Substitutions for This Recipe
- Coconut Aminos ➔ Soy Sauce or Tamari (if you’re okay with gluten).
- Maple Syrup ➔ Honey or Brown Sugar (adjust to taste).
- Fresh Pineapple ➔ Canned Pineapple (drained, but fresh is better!).
- Chicken Breasts ➔ Chicken Thighs or Tofu (for a different texture).
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet or frying pan
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Grater (for ginger)
How To Make Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken
Step 1 | Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix the pineapple juice, coconut aminos, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken slices and toss until fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2 | Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken with the marinade and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F).

Step 3 | Add the Pineapple
Throw in the pineapple slices during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Let them caramelize slightly for extra sweetness.

Step 4 | Serve
Plate the chicken and pineapple together. Drizzle any leftover pan sauce on top!

Perfection Tips
- Don’t skip marinating time! It tenderizes the chicken and locks in flavor.
- Slice chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the marinade.
- Prep ingredients ahead to save time.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ideas for serving your Maui Pineapple Chicken:
- Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of white rice, brown rice, or coconut rice.
- Quinoa: For a healthier option, serve it with quinoa.
- Vegetables: Add a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a mixed vegetable stir-fry.
- Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great side dish.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:
- Cool: Allow the chicken and pineapple to cool completely before storing.
- Container: Place the leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, you can use a microwave or a skillet. Heat until the chicken is warmed through.
I always make a little extra so I can have leftovers for lunch the next day. It’s just as good the next day, and it makes a quick and easy meal.
Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken Recipe FAQs
Here are some common questions about making this recipe:
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the marinade and marinate the chicken ahead of time. You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the remaining steps.
2. Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?
Yes, grilling the chicken is another great way to cook it. Just make sure to brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side.
3. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add other vegetables to this dish. Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini would all be great additions. Add them to the skillet along with the pineapple.
4. Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Chicken thighs will take longer to cook, while chicken tenders will cook faster.
5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They typically need 12-15 minutes per side to cook through. The internal temperature should still reach 165°F.
6. What’s the best way to cut pineapple for this recipe?
Remove the top and bottom, stand the pineapple upright, and slice off the skin. Cut into rings about 1/4 inch thick, then remove the core using a small round cutter or knife.
7. How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan?
Ensure your pan is hot before adding the chicken, use enough oil, and resist the urge to move the chicken too soon. It will release naturally when properly browned.

Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Make Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken in just 22 mins! This sweet and savory dish with juicy chicken & caramelized pineapple is perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts – 3-4 pieces (thinly sliced)
- Pineapple Juice – 1 tbsp
- Coconut Aminos – 2 tbsp
- Maple Syrup – 1 tbsp
- Garlic Clove – 1, minced
- Fresh Ginger – ½ inch, grated
- Fresh Pineapple – 3-6 slices
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1 tbsp
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix the pineapple juice, coconut aminos, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken slices and toss until fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken with the marinade and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F).
Step 3: Add the Pineapple
Throw in the pineapple slices during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Let them caramelize slightly for extra sweetness.
Step 4: Serve
Plate the chicken and pineapple together. Drizzle any leftover pan sauce on top!
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 220Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 350mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 27g
Conclusion
This Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken Recipe brings the taste of Hawaii right to your kitchen. After perfecting this recipe through multiple tests, I’m confident you’ll love how the sweet pineapple complements the tender chicken, creating a meal that’s both impressive and satisfying. The simple ingredients and clear instructions make this a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Give it a try and share your cooking experience with me! Remember to follow along on Pinterest for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration.