Pineapple chicken is a flavorful dish. It combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory taste of chicken. This results in a delightful balance of flavors. Typically, the chicken is marinated with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. It is then stir-fried with other seasonings to enhance its umami profile. Diced or sliced fresh pineapple is added, providing a juicy, tropical sweetness that complements the savory elements of the dish.
The dish often features colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and green onions, adding crunch and vibrancy. Depending on the recipe, it can be served over rice. Alternatively, it is served alongside vegetables. This creates a satisfying meal that is both appetizing and visually appealing. Pineapple chicken is popular in various cuisines. It is particularly common in Hawaiian and Asian-inspired cooking. The dish can be enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner. It can also be part of a festive gathering.
What You Need to Make Pineapple Chicken:
- ▢ 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- ▢ 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1 inch pieces
- ▢ 1 red bell pepper seeded. cored and cut into 1 inch pieces
- ▢ 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned
- ▢ 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- ▢ ¾ cup pineapple juice
- ▢ ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ▢ ⅓ cup low sodium chicken broth
- ▢ 1 tablespoon Oyster sauce
- ▢ ¼ cup brown sugar
- ▢ 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- ▢ 1 tablespoon sliced green onions
- ▢ salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS for Pineapple Chicken
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste and add to the pan.
- Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Add the red bell pepper and pineapple to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes or until tender. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, chicken broth, oyster sauce and brown sugar.
- Add the sauce mixture to the pan and bring to a simmer.
- Mix the corn starch with 1 tablespoon of cold water; stir until smooth.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan and stir to combine. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute or until sauce has just thickened.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve.
Notes and Tips for Making Pineapple Chicken
Notes:
- Chicken Cuts: You can use chicken breast, thighs, or even cubed tofu for a vegetarian version. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful.
- Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple: Fresh pineapple yields a brighter flavor and better texture. Canned pineapple in juice (not syrup) can be a convenient choice.
- Marinating: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor. You can marinate it longer, up to a few hours, for deeper flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or carrots to enhance nutrition and color.
- Serving Suggestions: Pineapple chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even stir-fried noodles.
Tips:
- Cooking Method: Stir-frying is a quick method. It retains moisture and flavor. You can also bake or grill the chicken for a different taste experience.
- Thickening Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water. Add this mixture to the dish during the final cooking stage.
- Garnishes: Top your dish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you like it sweeter, add brown sugar or honey. For a spicier kick, include crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) Is pineapple chicken healthy?
It can be, especially when you use lean chicken, fresh pineapple, and a balanced sauce. Balance portions with vegetables and serve over brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber.
2) Can I use chicken breast or thighs?
Yes. Chicken breast yields a leaner dish, while thighs stay juicier and more forgiving. Cut into even pieces for quick, uniform cooking.
3) Fresh pineapple or canned?
Fresh pineapple offers brighter flavor and texture. Canned pineapple in juice works too if you don’t have fresh. Avoid using pineapple in syrup as it can be too sweet.
4) Gluten-free options?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Check other sauces (hoisin, oyster sauce) for gluten; there are gluten-free varieties available.
5) How do I thicken the sauce?
Mix a small amount of cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the pan until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
6) Can I make this ahead?
You can prep ingredients in advance (chop vegetables, marinate chicken). Still, the dish is best served fresh. Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave.
7) How spicy is this dish?
It’s typically mild. Add crushed red pepper, chili paste, or jalapeño if you like more heat. Adjust salt cautiously as sauces can be salty.
8) What are good side options?
Steamed jasmine or brown rice, quinoa, or noodles. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables for a finished meal.
9) My sauce is too sweet or too salty—how to fix?
If too sweet, add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice and more soy sauce to balance. If too salty, add a touch of sugar or water to dilute, and toss with extra vegetables.
10) Can I make a dairy-free version?
Yes. The recipe typically uses sauces and oil only; make sure any sauces (like oyster sauce) are dairy-free if needed.
11) What vegetables pair well?
Bell peppers, onions, snap peas, broccoli, and carrots are great. You can mix in extra veggies to boost color and nutrition.
12) How long does it take to cook?
Most versions take about 25–30 minutes from prep to finish, depending on your knife skills and heat level.
13) What equipment do I need?
A large skillet or wok, a spatula or tongs, and measuring spoons/cups. A small bowl for mixing the sauce is handy.
14) How should I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot.
Pineapple chicken
Pineapple chicken is a flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory taste of chicken, resulting in a delightful balance of flavors. Typically, the chicken is marinated or stir-fried with a blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other seasonings to enhance its umami profile. Diced or sliced fresh pineapple is added, providing a juicy, tropical sweetness that complements the savory elements of the dish.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1-pound boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper seeded. cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- ¾ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Oyster sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon sliced green onions
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste and add to the pan.
- Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Add the red bell pepper and pineapple to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes or until tender. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, chicken broth, oyster sauce and brown sugar.
- Add the sauce mixture to the pan and bring to a simmer.
- Mix the corn starch with 1 tablespoon of cold water; stir until smooth.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan and stir to combine. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute or until sauce has just thickened.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve.
Notes
- Chicken Cuts: You can use chicken breast, thighs, or even cubed tofu for a vegetarian version. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful.
- Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple: Fresh pineapple yields a brighter flavor and better texture. Canned pineapple in juice (not syrup) can be a convenient choice.
- Marinating: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor. You can marinate it longer, up to a few hours, for deeper flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or carrots to enhance nutrition and color.
- Serving Suggestions: Pineapple chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even stir-fried noodles.
Tips:
- Cooking Method: Stir-frying is a quick method. It retains moisture and flavor. You can also bake or grill the chicken for a different taste experience.
- Thickening Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water. Add this mixture to the dish during the final cooking stage.
- Garnishes: Top your dish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you like it sweeter, add brown sugar or honey. For a spicier kick, include crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 260Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 203mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 15gProtein: 28g
**Nutritional information on HRCookery is provided as a courtesy. We can't guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on the site. these figures should only be considered as estimates.
