Pineapple Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, Pineapple Chicken is the answer. Juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a flavorful sauce come together in this delightful dish that works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside fresh vegetables, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
• 1/2 cup cashews for extra crunch
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Cut the pineapple, bell pepper, and onion into similar sizes for even cooking. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

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3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Caramelize the Pineapple

Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they develop a slight caramelization. This enhances their sweetness and deepens the flavor.

5. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Thicken and Combine

Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the chicken is well coated in the sauce.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables.

Tips for the Best Pineapple Chicken

• For Extra Crispiness: Lightly coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch before cooking to create a crispy texture.
• Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple provides the best flavor and caramelization, but canned pineapple works in a pinch.
• Make It Healthier: Swap honey for maple syrup or use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a lower-sodium option.
• Enhance the Flavor: Marinate the chicken in a bit of soy sauce and ginger for 15 minutes before cooking.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce.
• Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken: Include diced ham and green onions for a Hawaiian-inspired twist.
• Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry: Toss in extra vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli.
• Grilled Pineapple Chicken: Grill marinated chicken breasts and serve with pineapple salsa.

What to Serve with Pineapple Chicken

• Steamed Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice pairs beautifully with the sauce.
• Noodles: Serve over lo mein or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted broccoli or bell peppers adds balance to the dish.
• Tropical Drinks: Pair with a pineapple smoothie or a refreshing iced tea.

Final Thoughts: A Dish to Savor

Pineapple Chicken is a dish that brings a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors to your table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests, this easy yet flavorful recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and experience the magic of this tropical-inspired meal!

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Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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Cooking Method: Stovetop Courses: Dinner, Lunch

Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner Cooking Temp: 180  C Servings: 4 Best Season: All Seasons

Description

This sweet and savory Pineapple Chicken is a perfect combination of juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a tangy sauce. A quick and easy dish that's great for busy weeknights or a tropical-themed dinner.

Ingredients

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Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Marinade:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, sliced

For the Sauce:

• ¹⁄₄ cup pineapple juice
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

   In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Add the chicken pieces, coat well, and let marinate for 15 minutes.

   

1. Sear the Chicken

   Toss the marinated chicken with cornstarch. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

   

1. Cook the Vegetables & Pineapple

   In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté onions and bell peppers for 2 minutes, then add pineapple chunks and cook for another 2 minutes until caramelized.

   

1. Make the Sauce

   In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, and honey. Pour into the pan and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.

   

1. Combine & Serve

   Return the chicken to the pan, toss everything together, and cook for 2 more minutes. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

   

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 323.95kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 10.81g17%

Saturated Fat 1.25g7%

Trans Fat 0.06g

Cholesterol 99.28mg34%

Sodium 981.36mg41%

Potassium 679.34mg20%

Total Carbohydrate 23.79g8%

Dietary Fiber 1.52g7%

Sugars 16.75g

Protein 32.74g66%

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Vitamin A 43.62 IU

Vitamin C 46.97 mg

Calcium 29.13 mg

Iron 1.12 mg

Vitamin E 2.65 IU

Vitamin K 1.46 mcg

Thiamin 0.19 mg

Riboflavin 0.31 mg

Niacin 13.93 mg

Vitamin B6 1.29 mg

Folate 37.24 mcg

Vitamin B12 0.28 mcg

Phosphorus 335.16 mg

Magnesium 62.18 mg

Zinc 1.25 mg

* Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate based on available ingredients and serving sizes. Variations in ingredients and portion sizes may affect the actual values. Always consult a nutritionist or healthcare provider for specific dietary advice.

Note

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat.

Keywords: sweet, savory, quick, easy, tropical