Easy Pineapple Pork Chops Recipe

Name: Pineapple Pork Chops
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless pork chops (medium thickness about 1 inch each); 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for seasoning the meat evenly); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (for light heat and balance); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for all-over savory flavor); 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the pork); 1 teaspoon unsalted butter (for enriching the sauce); 4 garlic cloves (peeled and lightly crushed); 1 small white onion (peeled and thinly sliced); 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from canned or fresh pineapple); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce); 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned drained if canned); 2 tablespoons honey (for gentle sweetness); 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (finely chopped for garnish); 2 tablespoons green onions (sliced for garnish)

These big, juicy pineapple pork chops cook up in one skillet with a sweet-and-savory sauce that coats every bite. I first made this recipe on a random Tuesday when I had pineapple chunks sitting in the fridge and boneless pork chops calling my name, and it's been on repeat ever since.You get tender, restaurant-style pork chops on your table in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have.

Pineapple Pork Chops served over white rice and topped with caramelized pineapple chunks and glossy sauce

If you love quick, flavorful dinners, you'll also want to try this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe or Thai Basil Beef Recipe for weeknight variety. The golden garlic-pineapple sauce is good enough to spoon over everything.

What Are Pineapple Pork Chops?

Pineapple pork chops are a sweet and savory skillet dinner that combines tender boneless pork chops with a glossy pineapple garlic sauce. The dish gets its flavor from fresh pineapple chunks, honey, and a quick cornstarch-thickened sauce that clings to the meat. It's a Hawaiian-style dinner that feels tropical and comforting at the same time.

The Pineapple Pork Chops are seared until golden, then simmered gently in the pineapple sauce so they stay juicy and absorb all that sweet garlic flavor. It's the kind of one-pan pork chop recipe that makes weeknight cooking feel easy and a little special.

Jump to:

What Are Pineapple Pork Chops?
Pineapple Pork Chops Ingredients
How to Make Pineapple Pork Chops
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Equipment For Pineapple Pork Chops
Storage and Reheating Tips
Serving Suggestions
Expert Tips
Why You'll Love This Pineapple Pork Chops
FAQ
Related
Pairing
Pineapple Pork Chops

Pineapple Pork Chops Ingredients

Here's a short intro to what makes this Pineapple Pork Chops work.

See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities

Pork chops, boneless: Medium-sized boneless chops cook quickly and stay tender. Look for cuts that are about 1 inch thick for the best texture.
Sea salt: Seasons the pork and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
Ground black pepper: Adds a mild, savory bite.
Garlic powder: Gives the pork chops a warm, aromatic base before they hit the skillet.
Olive oil: Helps sear the pork chops and prevents sticking.
Butter, unsalted: Adds richness to the sauce and helps create a silky finish.
Garlic cloves, crushed: Fresh garlic brings depth and a little sharpness to the pineapple sauce.
White onion, sliced: Softens and sweetens as it cooks, adding a mild savory layer.
Pineapple juice: The base of the sauce. It adds sweetness and tropical flavor while helping to deglaze the pan.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it coats the pork chops beautifully instead of staying thin and runny.
Pineapple, cubed: Fresh pineapple chunks add juicy bursts of sweetness and texture. Canned pineapple works too if that's what you have.
Honey: Balances the tanginess of the pineapple and adds a glossy, caramelized finish to the sauce.
Fresh cilantro and green onions: Optional garnishes that add color, freshness, and a hint of herbiness.
Rice or quinoa: Serves as a neutral base to soak up all that delicious pineapple garlic sauce.

How to Make Pineapple Pork Chops

Here's how to make juicy Pineapple Pork Chops from start to finish.

Season the pork: Season both sides of the pork chops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onion and crushed garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Sear the pork chops: Place the seasoned pork chops into the hot skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook on one side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Push the pork chops to one side of the skillet, then flip them over to cook the other side.

Overhead view of four pork chops searing in a stainless steel skillet with a golden brown crust

Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet along with the butter. Let it simmer gently, stirring constantly, until it starts to bubble and thicken. Add the pineapple chunks into the sauce.

Pineapple chunks simmering in a creamy sauce in a skillet while being whisked with a wooden-handled whisk

Coat and cook: Spoon the sauce over the pork chops, making sure they're well coated. Continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. The centers should feel firm but still tender.

Finish with honey: Lower the heat to medium and stir in the honey. Mix it through the pineapple sauce until everything is glossy and combined. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes.

Serve: Plate the pork chops with a generous spoonful of pineapple sauce. Serve alongside white rice or quinoa and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds. You can also add extra pineapple chunks or fresh pineapple slices on the side for a tropical touch.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Here's how to make this Pineapple Pork Chops work with what you have.

Use bone-in pork chops: They take a little longer to cook (about 6 to 8 minutes per side), but they stay juicy and flavorful.
Swap canned pineapple for fresh: Canned pineapple chunks work perfectly. Just drain them well and use the juice in the sauce.
Try brown sugar instead of honey: It adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with pineapple.
Add red pepper flakes: A pinch or two gives the sauce a gentle heat that balances the sweetness.
Make it spicy: Stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or a diced jalapeño for a spicy pineapple kick.
Use chicken thighs instead: This same sauce works beautifully with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Add bell peppers: Sliced red or yellow bell peppers add color, crunch, and a mild sweetness that complements the pineapple.

Equipment For Pineapple Pork Chops

Here's what makes this Pineapple Pork Chops come together smoothly.

Large skillet: A 12-inch skillet gives you enough room to sear the pork chops without crowding. Cast iron or nonstick both work well.
Small mixing bowl: For whisking together the pineapple juice and cornstarch.
Whisk: Helps dissolve the cornstarch completely so the sauce stays smooth.
Tongs or spatula: For flipping the pork chops and stirring the sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons: Keeps the sauce balanced and flavorful.
Knife and cutting board: For slicing the onion, crushing the garlic, and cubing the pineapple.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Let the Pineapple Pork Chops cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so add a splash of pineapple juice or water when reheating.

Freezer: Cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a little extra pineapple juice or water to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few simple ways to serve these Pineapple Pork Chops.

Spoon the pork and sauce over fluffy white rice or coconut rice for a tropical dinner.
Serve alongside roasted broccoli or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
Pair with a light cucumber salad or coleslaw to cut through the sweetness.
Add a side of quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb option.

If you're looking for more quick skillet dinners, try Baked Ziti with Ground Beef or Healthy White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe for easy weeknight variety.

Expert Tips

Don't skip the cornstarch: It's what makes the sauce thick and glossy instead of thin and watery. Whisk it well so there are no lumps.
Use room temperature Pork Chops: They cook more evenly and stay tender. Let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before seasoning.
Don't overcook the pork: Pull the Pineapple Pork Chops off the heat when they reach 145 degrees F. They'll continue cooking slightly as they rest.
Let the pork rest: Resting for 5 minutes helps the juices redistribute so every bite stays moist and flavorful.
Adjust the sweetness: If the sauce tastes too sweet, add a squeeze of lime juice or a pinch of salt to balance it out.
Double the sauce: If you love extra sauce, double the pineapple juice, cornstarch, and honey. It's perfect for drizzling over rice.

Why You'll Love This Pineapple Pork Chops

You'll love these pineapple pork chops because they taste like a restaurant dish but come together in one skillet in under 20 minutes. The sauce is sweet, savory, and garlicky without being heavy, and the pork stays tender and juicy every time.

It's also incredibly flexible. You can swap the honey for brown sugar, use canned pineapple if that's what you have, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. The whole thing cooks in one pan, so cleanup is easy.

Plus, it pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables, making it a complete weeknight dinner without extra fuss.

FAQ

Does pineapple tenderize pork chops?

Yes, pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that helps break down proteins and tenderize meat. In this recipe, the pineapple juice in the sauce adds a subtle tenderizing effect while the pork cooks. If you want to tenderize the pork chops even more, you can marinate them in pineapple juice for 30 minutes before cooking. Just don't leave them too long or the texture can get mushy.

Do pork and pineapple go together?

Absolutely. Pineapple Pork Chops are a classic pairing. The sweetness of the pineapple balances the savory richness of the pork, and the slight acidity helps cut through the fat. It's why Hawaiian-style pork dishes are so popular. The combination feels tropical, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent.

What is the secret to moist tender pork chops?

The secret is not overcooking them. Pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, then rest for 5 minutes. Cooking them over medium-high heat to get a golden sear, then finishing them gently in the sauce, keeps them juicy. Starting with boneless chops that are about 1 inch thick also helps because they cook evenly without drying out.

What to put on pineapple to make it taste better?

A drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a squeeze of lime juice can all make pineapple taste even better. In this recipe, the honey and garlic add depth and richness to the pineapple chunks. If you want to enhance the tropical flavor, try adding a pinch of ginger or a splash of soy sauce to the sauce for a sweet-and-savory twist.