Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Delight 🍍🍗✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly balances sweetness with savory flavors, look no further than this incredible Sweet and Savory Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken and juicy pineapple chunks. This Pineapple Chicken dish is a crowd-pleaser, combining tropical flavors with a delicious sauce that’s both satisfying and impressive. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this Pineapple Chicken Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
2. Ingredients Needed for Pineapple Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Green onions for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
3. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Pineapple Chicken
Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant. Then, add sliced red bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the pineapple chunks along with their juice and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir well and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
Serve Hot
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve over steamed rice or noodles. This dinner is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later use.
4. Storage Tips for Pineapple Chicken
Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts or warm in a skillet until heated through. For best results, reheat in a non-stick skillet to retain its texture.
5. Serving Suggestions for Sweet and Savory Chicken
This pineapple chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa for a wholesome meal. For an extra touch, serve with a side of creamy orzo or a fresh green salad. The fruity and tangy flavors also complement Asian-inspired sides like spring rolls or steamed vegetables.
6. FAQs about Pineapple Chicken
Can I substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs remain juicy and tender, making them a perfect substitute for chicken breasts in this recipe.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
How long does it take to prepare and cook this Pineapple Chicken?
The entire process takes approximately 30-40 minutes, making it an ideal quick dinner option.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Perfect for slicing and prepping vegetables easily and quickly, streamlining your cooking process.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: Ideal if you’d like to prepare a slow-cooked version or prepare in advance.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Ensures even heating and non-stick performance, making cooking and cleanup effortless.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1: Perfect for quick, crispy vegetables or sides to complement your Chicken with Pineapple.
8. Related Recipes to Explore
- Juicy and Flavorful Chicken Breast Recipe
- Zesty Chicken Burrito Bake
- Island Teriyaki Chicken Stuffed Peppers
9. Conclusion
In summary, this Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken recipe offers a delightful mix of tropical sweetness and savory goodness, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. The simple steps, fresh ingredients, and vibrant flavors ensure a memorable meal every time. Give this dish a try and enjoy the perfect harmony of Pineapple Chicken in your own kitchen today!
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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Discover the irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors with this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe. Juicy pineapple chunks and tender chicken are coated in a deliciously caramelized sauce made with brown sugar, creating a tropical-inspired dish that’s perfect for quick weeknights or entertaining guests. This flavorful chicken recipe is easy to prepare and packed with delicious ingredients that bring vibrant taste and satisfying texture to your table.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Green onions for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. Add sliced red bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Add pineapple chunks with juice and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for an even more vibrant flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar.
- For added spice, include red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Serve with jasmine rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 380 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg