Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been a total game-changer in my kitchen for years: my Pineapple Chicken Recipe. You know how everyone loves a good chicken stir-fry, especially something that’s both savory and sweet? Well, this recipe takes it to a whole new level! The tangy pineapple combined with juicy chicken and a killer sweet and sour sauce… honestly, it’s so good it rivals our usual takeout order. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even on those crazy weeknights when you think dinner might just be cereal again. I promise, this one’s a winner – even my picky eaters devour it! It reminds me of the sweet and sour chicken my grandma used to make, but with a fun tropical twist. Get ready to taste sunshine in every bite!
What is Pineapple Chicken?
Think of it as your favorite sweet and sour chicken, but amplified with the bright, tropical flavors of pineapple! It’s essentially crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a sticky, tangy sauce that’s packed with juicy pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and sometimes even a little onion. The dish gets its name from the starring ingredient, pineapple, which adds sweetness and a hint of acidity that balances out the savory flavors perfectly. It’s essentially happiness on a plate, and incredibly customizable. You can adjust the sweetness, add some spice, and really make it your own. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious way to bring some sunshine to your dinner table, no matter the weather outside!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me tell you, there are a million reasons why this Pineapple Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my house. What I love most about this dish is how incredibly flavorful it is. The sweet and sour sauce is perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of tang to cut through the richness of the chicken. And the pineapple? It adds a burst of juicy sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
What are some of the best recipes ever made? What is the best thing to do on a weeknight? What are some common pantry staples? What do you need to have on hand?
And let’s not forget about the cost! Making this dish at home is way cheaper than ordering takeout, and you can control exactly what goes into it. No weird additives or excessive sodium here! You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd, or save leftovers for lunch the next day (if there are any!).
Finally, I gotta mention the versatility. You can serve this Pineapple Chicken Recipe over rice, noodles, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. I’ve even been known to toss it in a salad for a fun and flavorful lunch. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked. It’s my go-to whenever I’m craving something sweet, savory, and satisfying, and I know it’ll become one of your favorites too!
How do I make Pineapple Chicken?
Quick Overview
Making this Pineapple Chicken Recipe is easier than you might think! You’ll start by prepping your chicken and veggies. Then, you’ll lightly coat the chicken and cook it until golden brown and crispy. Next, you’ll whip up the super simple sweet and sour sauce and toss everything together. It’s quick, straightforward, and the results are absolutely delicious. Trust me, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can totally nail this!
Ingredients
For the Chicken: What are some of
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. I prefer chicken breasts, but you can also use Chicken Thighs for a richer flavor. What are some good ways to trim off excess fat.
* 1/2 cup cornstarch. This is what makes the chicken extra crispy. Don’t skimp on it!
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* 2 tbsp vegetable oil, for frying. You can use any neutral oil like canola or peanut oil.
For the Sauce:
* 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned (in juice, not syrup!). If using canned, drain them well.
* 1/2 cup chicken broth. Low-sodium is best, so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
* 1/4 cup ketchup. This adds sweetness to the sauce.
* 1/4 cup rice vinegar. Don’t substitute with white vinegar – the flavor is totally different!
* 2 tbsp soy sauce. I use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish from being too salty.
* 2 tbsp brown sugar. This adds a nice caramel-like sweetness to the sauce.
* 1 tbsp cornstarch. This helps to thicken the sauce.
* 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces. Can you use any color bell pepper in this dish?
* 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces. You can use any color bell pepper, but I like the sweetness of red bell pepper in this dish.
* 1/2 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces. Optional, but adds a nice savory flavor.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced. Freshly chopped garlic is always best!
* 1 tbsp vegetable oil, for sautéing.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Set aside. How do you make sure the chicken is evenly coated? What is the secret to a crispy texture?
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping. Is it necessary to cook a chicken until golden brown and cooked through? If you overcrowd a pan, be careful not to overcook the chicken. Is it necessary to cook it in batches?
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While chicken is cooking, whisk together the chicken broth, ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and salt. Serve hot. Brown sugar, cornstarch, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Mix well.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet or wok, heat the remaining vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the bell peppers and onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. How do you burn garlic?
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the sauce over the vegetables and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the liquid has evaporated. How long will it take for a cheese to thick Add the cooked chicken and pineapple chunks to the skillet and toss until coated with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through.
Step 6: Serve!
Serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions. Enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good recipes for Pineapple Chicken?
What are some of the best Asian food recipes?Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. Is it possible to make noodles like lo mein or chow mein? What are some healthy side dishes to serve with steamed broccoli?
For a lighter option:What are some low-carb alternatives to cauliflower rice? What are some good salad dressings?
For a fun twist: “An unexpected twist is gonna happen.” I’ve even been known to serve this Pineapple Chicken Recipe over mashed sweet potatoes! The sweetness of the potatoes complements the tangy sauce perfectly.
My family loves to eat this on top of sticky rice or ramen. What is the best way to eat chicken in a sauce? What is your favorite Pineapple Chicken recipe?
How do I make Pineapple Chicken?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Pineapple Chicken Recipe even better.
Chicken Prep: For the crispiest chicken, make sure to pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels before coating them in cornstarch. This will help the cornstarch adhere better and create a crispier crust.
Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch. Just make sure to whisk it with a little cold water before adding it to the sauce to prevent lumps. If you want it thinner, add more chicken broth!
Pineapple Power: Fresh pineapple is always best, but canned pineapple works just as well in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery. I love grilling my pineapple for a smokier taste too!
Veggie Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as carrots, snap peas, or water chestnuts. Just add them to the skillet along with the bell peppers and onion.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a drizzle of sriracha over the finished dish.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, use less brown sugar or substitute with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. I personally love adding a tablespoon of honey!
Flavor Booster: A splash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds at the end adds a nice nutty flavor to the dish.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Pineapple Chicken Recipe is great for meal prepping because it stores and reheats really well.
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: To store leftovers, let the Pineapple Chicken Recipe cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s still delicious, and sometimes I think the flavors meld together and taste even better the next day.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze this dish for longer storage. Let it cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed below.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan on freezing the dish, I recommend adding the glaze after thawing and reheating, as the glaze can sometimes become a bit watery after freezing.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave it for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Or, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my friends! My family’s favorite Pineapple Chicken Recipe that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, and I know you’ll love it as much as we do. The combination of sweet and savory is simply irresistible, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other stir-fry recipes for more delicious and easy meal ideas. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below with your thoughts and any variations you’ve tried. Don’t forget to rate this recipe if you enjoyed it and share it with your friends and family! I love seeing your recreations – tag me on social media so I can check them out. Until next time, happy eating!
Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts
- 1 cup Pineapple chunks
- 0.5 cup Soy sauce
- 0.25 cup Brown sugar
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces.
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
- Add chicken and pineapple to the bowl and mix well.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
