Description

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Notes

- 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.