Pineapple Chicken

If you’re looking for a meal that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, this Pineapple Chicken recipe is just what you need. With juicy chicken coated in a rich, tangy pineapple sauce, it’s a family-friendly dinner that comes together in just 35 minutes. The combination of tender chicken, caramelized pineapple chunks, and a glossy sauce makes it irresistible for both weeknights and special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1/4 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Pineapple Sauce:

• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp white vinegar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• Sesame seeds and green onion for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with garlic salt and place it in a bowl or ziplock bag. Add cornstarch and toss to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken pieces for about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and mostly cooked through. The chicken will finish cooking in the sauce.
3. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth and the cornstarch is dissolved.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the browned chicken in the pan. Add pineapple chunks and stir well to coat everything in the sauce.
5. Simmer and Serve: Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked. Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Suggestions: Serve your Pineapple Chicken over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or even brown rice for a hearty meal. It also pairs beautifully with fried rice, quinoa, or rice noodles. For a lighter option, serve it with steamed vegetables or a crisp Asian salad.
• Meal Prep: Pineapple Chicken is perfect for meal prep. Prepare it in advance and store in airtight containers for easy weekday lunches or dinners.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly, so add a splash of water or pineapple juice when reheating.
• Freezing: To freeze, let the chicken and sauce cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally to maintain texture and flavor.

Variations

1. Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a diced jalapeño for a fiery kick that balances beautifully with the sweet pineapple sauce.
2. Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry: Include colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots to make it a wholesome one-pan meal.
3. Coconut Pineapple Chicken: Replace the vinegar with coconut milk to create a creamy, tropical twist with a hint of island flavor.
4. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Add 1 extra tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger for a deep, savory teriyaki-style sauce.
5. Honey Pineapple Chicken: Substitute the brown sugar with honey for a smoother, floral sweetness and a slightly lighter texture.
6. Grilled Pineapple Chicken: Marinate the chicken in the sauce and grill instead of frying for a smoky, caramelized flavor that’s perfect for summer BBQs.
7. Baked Pineapple Chicken: Combine chicken and sauce in a baking dish, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes for a low-oil version.
8. Pineapple Shrimp Delight: Replace chicken with shrimp for a quick seafood alternative that’s light yet satisfying.
9. Garlic Lover’s Pineapple Chicken: Add 2–3 cloves of minced garlic to the pan for a more robust, savory aroma.
10. Pineapple Chicken Skewers: Thread chicken and pineapple onto skewers, brush with sauce, and grill or bake for a fun party appetizer.
11. Pineapple Cashew Chicken: Stir in a handful of toasted cashews for crunch and nutty depth.
12. Low-Sodium Pineapple Chicken: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce sugar for a heart-healthier variation.
13. Pineapple Ginger Chicken: Add a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to brighten the sauce with a zesty touch.
14. Pineapple BBQ Chicken: Mix your favorite barbecue sauce with the pineapple glaze for a smoky, tangy-sweet twist.
15. Pineapple Chicken Wraps: Spoon the chicken and sauce into lettuce leaves or tortillas for a light, handheld meal option.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
   Yes, canned pineapple chunks work perfectly. Just be sure to drain them before adding to the pan.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and add extra flavor to the dish.
3. What can I serve with pineapple chicken?
   Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
4. How can I make it healthier?
   Use less sugar, air fry the chicken, and replace soy sauce with low-sodium or coconut aminos.
5. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Yes, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
6. Why is my sauce too thin?
   Simmer longer or mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with water to thicken the sauce.
7. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Yes, it reheats beautifully and can be made a day in advance.
8. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even texture.
9. What kind of oil is best for frying?
   Canola, vegetable, or avocado oil are best since they have a high smoke point.
10. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
    Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots complement the pineapple sauce wonderfully.

This Pineapple Chicken recipe is the perfect balance of sweetness and tang with just the right touch of savoriness from soy sauce and garlic salt. It’s a quick and easy meal that tastes like it came from your favorite Asian restaurant but is simple enough to make at home. Serve it with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a satisfying meal your whole family will love.

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