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Pineapple Chicken

Pineapple Chicken
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Pineapple Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish combining juicy chicken pieces with the sweet and tangy brightness of pineapple, enhanced by savory soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and loved by the whole family for its balanced sweet-savory profile.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Produce

  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned pineapple chunks, drained, reserve juice)
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely chopped

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 2 Tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice (if using canned pineapple)

Oils

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil or sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Dice the bell peppers and finely chop garlic and ginger. If using canned pineapple, drain the chunks and reserve the juice for the sauce.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, creating a smooth, thickening sauce.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to keep warm.
  4. Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Add garlic, ginger, and bell peppers, stirring constantly until fragrant and slightly softened but still crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Combine and Simmer: Return pineapple chunks and chicken to the skillet. Pour over the prepared sauce and stir continuously as it thickens. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together beautifully.

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple when possible for brighter flavor compared to canned.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing.
  • Marinate chicken briefly (10 minutes) in some soy sauce and pineapple juice to boost flavor.
  • Adjust sweetness by tasting before serving and adding more honey if desired.
  • Prepare cornstarch slurry fresh and add gradually to avoid lumps in the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pineapple Chicken, quick dinner, sweet and savory, weeknight meal, easy recipe, gluten free, family friendly

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/pineapple-chicken/