Pineapple Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking to add a touch of tropical flavor to your dinner, this Pineapple Chicken recipe is the perfect solution! The combination of juicy chicken and sweet, tangy pineapple creates a balance of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or preparing for a family gathering, this dish is easy to make and bursting with flavor.

The mix of sweet pineapple with savory chicken is a classic combination in many Asian-inspired dishes, and this recipe pulls it all together in one skillet. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels both special and simple.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with a little salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Pineapple Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to caramelize slightly.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, red pepper flakes, and reserved pineapple juice. Add this mixture to the skillet with the pineapples and stir.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water to make a slurry. Add this to the skillet and stir continuously. The sauce will start to thicken as it heats.

Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together so the chicken is coated in the sweet pineapple sauce. Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and warmed through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is ready, garnish the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. Serve the Pineapple Chicken hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles.

Tips for the Best Pineapple Chicken

1. Use Fresh Pineapple if Possible

While canned pineapple is convenient, using fresh pineapple can add a burst of natural sweetness and freshness to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh pineapple takes a bit longer to caramelize.

2. Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition

You can easily turn this into a complete meal by adding vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Sauté the veggies along with the chicken for a healthy twist.

3. Adjust the Sweetness

If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of honey or pineapple juice in the recipe. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust to your liking.

4. Control the Spice

If you’re not a fan of heat, you can omit the red pepper flakes. On the other hand, if you like your dishes spicy, feel free to add extra!

5. Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

1. Over Rice

This dish pairs beautifully with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice, which soaks up the sweet and savory sauce perfectly.

2. With Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice

For a lighter option, serve the Pineapple Chicken over quinoa or cauliflower rice. Both are great for soaking up the flavors without the extra carbs.

3. With Noodles

You can also serve this dish over stir-fried noodles for an extra indulgent meal. Try using rice noodles or lo mein for an Asian-inspired twist.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Chicken Recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a tropical twist. The caramelized pineapple chunks, juicy chicken, and tangy sauce come together in a dish that’s easy to make yet bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving this up for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s bound to be a hit at your table.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe! They offer a bit more flavor and juiciness, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

3. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as fresh pineapple can take a bit longer to cook than canned.

4. How long does this dish last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat everything in a skillet and enjoy!

Yield: 4

Best Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Print

If you’re looking to add a touch of tropical flavor to your dinner, this Pineapple Chicken recipe is the perfect solution! The combination of juicy chicken and sweet, tangy pineapple creates a balance of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you're making a quick weeknight dinner or preparing for a family gathering, this dish is easy to make and bursting with flavor.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple or fresh)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
   
3. Add Pineapple and Sauce:
   Stir in the pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and ground ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
   
4. Thicken the Sauce:
   Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
   
5. Combine and Serve:
   Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until fully coated. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
   
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Serve the pineapple chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the dish by adding more or less honey depending on your taste.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like snow peas, carrots, or broccoli.

Pineapple Substitution: Fresh pineapple gives a bright flavor, but canned pineapple works just as well in this recipe.