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Pineapple Chicken Recipe

The Ultimate Pineapple Chicken Recipe

  • Author: Mammyrecipe
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

The Ultimate Pineapple Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze. The dish features a rich blend of fresh pineapple, soy sauce, honey, and a hint of garlic and ginger, making it the perfect balance of savory and sweet. This recipe is ideal for a casual dinner with family or friends, and it adds a tropical twist to your usual chicken dishes. The sauce is thickened with cornstarch, giving it a luscious, smooth texture that coats the chicken perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and irresistible taste

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned pineapple)
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the fresh pineapple or canned)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
  • Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)

This combination of ingredients will bring out the sweet and savory flavors, making the dish a hit at your table.

Instructions

  • Prepare the Sauce:

    • In a bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using). Stir well until the sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are fully mixed. Set the sauce aside.

  • Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry:

    • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved and set aside.

  • Cook the Chicken:

    • Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides.
    • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
    • Add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  • Make the Pineapple Sauce:

    • In the same skillet, add the pineapple chunks and cook for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
    • Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the pineapple and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
    • Stir occasionally, then add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Stir well to combine and allow the sauce to thicken for about 2-3 minutes.

  • Combine the Chicken with the Sauce:

    • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, and spoon the pineapple sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors and heat through.

  • Serve:

    • Plate the chicken and pour the remaining pineapple sauce and pineapple chunks over the top.
    • Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro, if desired.

  • Enjoy:

    • Serve your Ultimate Pineapple Chicken with steamed rice, quinoa, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy the sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite!

Notes

  • Substitute for Pineapple:

    • If fresh pineapple is not available, you can use canned pineapple chunks. Just make sure to use pineapple packed in juice, not syrup, for a more natural sweetness.

  • Adjust the Sweetness:

    • If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a little more honey or brown sugar. Conversely, for a more savory flavor, reduce the amount of sugar.

  • Add Spice:

    • If you enjoy a little heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili to the sauce to balance the sweetness with spice.

  • Cornstarch Tip:

    • Ensure the cornstarch slurry is well-mixed before adding it to the sauce to avoid clumps. If you prefer a thinner sauce, use less cornstarch.

  • Chicken Options:

    • You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful alternative.

  • Vegetarian Version:

    • To make this dish vegetarian, consider replacing the chicken with tofu or another plant-based protein. Press and cube the tofu, then pan-fry it before adding it to the sauce.

  • Storage:

    • Leftover pineapple chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

  • Serving Suggestions:

    • This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or even roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a simple green salad to add freshness to the meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: per Serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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Find it online: https://mammyrecipe.com/the-ultimate-pineapple-chicken-recipe/