Pineapple Chicken

The sweet, tangy taste of pineapple mingling with tender chicken creates a flavor profile that’s nothing short of irresistible. As the sauce simmers, the pineapple’s natural sugars caramelize, turning it into a luscious, golden glaze that coats every piece of chicken. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a touch of brightness from the citrusy notes of pineapple. You’ll find that the juices from the fruit create a sauce that’s both light and rich, making it the perfect complement to any side dish you choose. Whether you’re pairing it with rice, a crunchy salad, or even roasted vegetables, the combination will leave you craving more.

One of my favorite things about this dish is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the sweetness or acidity depending on your personal preferences. Want a bit more tang? Toss in a squeeze of lime or a splash of vinegar. If you like things on the sweeter side, adding a drizzle of honey will take the flavors up a notch. And don’t forget the texture! The slight crunch of the caramelized pineapple adds a delightful contrast to the juicy chicken, making every bite satisfying.

I’ve served this to family and friends countless times, and it never fails to impress. It’s the kind of dish that gets people talking and leaves them asking for the recipe. It’s not just the taste that makes it memorable, but the ease with which it comes together. From start to finish, this is the kind of meal you can whip up on a busy weeknight or serve at a weekend gathering, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit. So, go ahead, take that first bite—you’ll see why pineapple chicken is always on the menu at my house!

Key Ingredients in Pineapple Chicken

Let’s dive into the key ingredients that make this pineapple chicken recipe a standout dish:

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, olive oil adds a subtle fruity note and helps achieve a nice sear on the meat.
• Chicken Breasts: Lean and versatile, chicken breasts are the perfect protein choice for this dish, soaking up all the flavors of the marinade.
• Garlic Powder: Infusing the dish with a warm, savory taste, garlic powder brings a depth of flavor without the need for mincing fresh garlic.
• Onion Powder: Adding a sweet undertone, onion powder enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
• Ground Ginger: With its fragrant and slightly spicy flavor, ground ginger provides a lovely warmth that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Black Pepper: Offering a hint of heat and a subtle bite, black pepper rounds out the dish’s flavors.
• Pineapple Juice: The star of the show, pineapple juice lends a burst of fruity sweetness that brightens up the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Providing a savory base and depth of flavor, chicken broth helps to create a well-rounded sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adding a salty umami richness, soy sauce enhances the dish’s savory elements while balancing out the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Brown Sugar: Bringing a caramel-like sweetness, brown sugar helps to create a beautifully glazed finish on the chicken.
• Fresh Pineapple Chunks: These juicy and sweet chunks not only add texture but also infuse the dish with bursts of tropical flavor.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent, cornstarch helps to create a glossy, velvety sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Cold Water: Mixed with cornstarch, cold water forms a slurry to thicken the sauce to just the right consistency.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkled on top as a finishing touch, sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and a hint of toasty flavor.
• Green Onions: Garnishing the dish with a fresh, oniony bite, green onions add a pop of color and a burst of freshness to each bite.

How to Make Pineapple Chicken

Serving Suggestions for Pineapple Chicken

1. Crispy Rice: For an added crunch and texture, serve your pineapple chicken over a bed of crispy rice. Simply heat a bit of oil in a pan and press cooked rice into the pan until it gets crispy and golden on the bottom. The contrast between the crunchy rice and the juicy, flavorful chicken is absolutely divine.

2. Garlicky Roasted Veggies: Pair the sweet and savory chicken with some roasted vegetables. I love tossing carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini in olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of salt, then roasting them until tender. The caramelized edges of the veggies balance the bright pineapple sauce perfectly.

3. Fresh Salad with a Zing: If you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing, serve your pineapple chicken with a simple salad. Toss together mixed greens, cucumber, and a handful of cilantro, then dress with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s the ideal contrast to the richness of the chicken and adds a burst of freshness to your meal!

Whichever way you choose to serve it, this pineapple chicken will surely shine on your table.

How to Store Pineapple Chicken

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (or if you’re just planning ahead for a busy week), storing your pineapple chicken properly will keep it tasting fresh and flavorful. After it has cooled down a bit, transfer it into an airtight container. This helps lock in the moisture, keeping the chicken tender and the sauce from drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights.

For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. To do so, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag, pressing out as much air as possible. The dish will stay good for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. The pineapple chunks may lose a bit of their texture, but the flavor will still shine through.

If you’re reheating leftovers, a stovetop method is best. Gently heat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. This helps maintain that glossy sauce and tender chicken, bringing the dish back to life without losing any of its deliciousness!

Conclusion

There you have it, a tantalizing journey through the world of pineapple chicken! From the sizzle of olive oil in the skillet to the final sprinkle of sesame seeds over the dish, every step is a celebration of flavors and textures coming together in perfect harmony.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef looking for a new recipe to add to your repertoire or a beginner eager to try something delicious and impressive, this pineapple chicken will not disappoint. The marriage of savory chicken, sweet pineapple, and aromatic spices creates a dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

Now that you have all the ingredients and steps at your fingertips, why not print out this article and save it for your next cooking adventure? The tantalizing aromas of pineapple chicken simmering on your stove are just a recipe away.

Remember, cooking is all about creativity and enjoyment, so feel free to make this dish your own by adding your personal touch. And if you have any questions, feedback, or simply want to share your experience with this recipe, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with the delicious smells of pineapple chicken!

Print Recipe

Pineapple Chicken

Author: Maria Bennet Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 320

Description

Tender chunks of succulent chicken stir-fried with juicy pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and a sweet and tangy sauce. Each bite is a tropical explosion of flavors that will transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise. Irresistibly delicious!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground ginger

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₂ cup pineapple juice

• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth

• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons cold water

• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds

• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and black pepper.
3. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the pineapple juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
5. Pour the pineapple juice mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
6. Add the fresh pineapple chunks to the skillet.
7. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. In a separate small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
9. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the skillet with the chicken and pineapple, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
10. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken before serving.
11. Serve the pineapple chicken hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Note

• Make sure to not overcook the chicken breasts to keep them juicy and tender.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the pineapple juice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Feel free to add diced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added vegetables and color.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your preference.
• To make it spicy, add a dash of red pepper flakes or a few slices of fresh chili peppers.

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