Why Make This Recipe
Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in every bite. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick meal that is still delicious. The mix of chicken, fresh vegetables, and juicy pineapple creates a satisfying experience for your taste buds. Plus, it is simple to prepare, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced cooks.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients:
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Directions:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through.
- Add the red bell pepper and pineapple to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the pepper is tender.
- In a small bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk until combined.
- Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring to a low simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and serve topped with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy!
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken
Pineapple Chicken can be served over rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced dish. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions to enhance the presentation and flavor.
How to Store Pineapple Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the Pineapple Chicken cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Pineapple Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce and pineapple juice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can use fresh pineapple for a sweeter taste, but canned pineapple works well if you are in a hurry.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to the sauce to suit your preference.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. For a spicy twist, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
2. Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos if you need a gluten-free option.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a few hours ahead and reheat it for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through.
- Add the red bell pepper and pineapple to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the pepper is tender.
- In a small bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk until combined.
- Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring to a low simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and serve topped with sesame seeds and green onions.