Pineapple Chicken – This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with the tangy sweetness of pineapple, resulting in a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Recipe Overview
Ingredients
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a tender result.
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple chunks are ideal, but canned pineapple in juice (not syrup) works well too.
- Soy sauce: For a savory, umami flavor.
- Honey or brown sugar: Adds sweetness that complements the pineapple.
- Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced for a punch of flavor.
- Bell peppers: Optional, but they add color and crunch.
- Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce.
What Chicken Meat can be used to make the best chicken and pineapple recipe?
I always recommend you to use chicken thighs, although you can use chicken breast if you don’t have thighs in hands (you 4 medium size chicken breasts) but always remember that the meat will not be as tender and juicy compared to thighs.
How is the flavor of this Chinese Pineapple Chicken?
As I have mentioned earlier, it loaded with hell lot of flavors! It is tangy and sweet because of the fresh pineapple and you will notice a bit of crunch to every bite. This dish is very similar to sweet and sour chicken which I have already shared earlier (check that out) because, in that recipe, the chicken is deep-fried instead of being stir-fried.
Can we Meal Prep this Chicken Pineapple?
Yes of course! This dish can be made ahead of time and a perfect meal prep recipe that can be helpful in your busy days, when ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop.
Can be Freeze this Sticky Pineapple Chicken?
Unfortunately No! It doesn’t freeze well due to the pineapple but yes you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Grilled Pineapple Chicken: Grill marinated chicken and pineapple skewers for a smoky flavor.
- Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry: Add broccoli, carrots, and snap peas for a quick and healthy stir-fry.
- Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken: Add teriyaki sauce and serve over a bed of coconut rice for tropical vibes.
- Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken: Toss all ingredients into a slow cooker and let it simmer for 4-6 hours on low.
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken
- With Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly.
- Over Noodles: Serve atop lo mein or soba noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.
- In Lettuce Wraps: Scoop the chicken and pineapple into lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- As a Pizza Topping: Use leftover pineapple chicken as a topping for homemade pizza.
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a crisp cucumber or green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
Quick Tips and Tricks
- You can always use chicken breasts cut into cubes for a healthier and lean meat option.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Use ketchup If you don’t have hoisin sauce handy
- Make it spicier by adding 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes
How to Store and Reheat Pineapple Chicken
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Place cooled pineapple chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pineapple in juice works great. Just avoid the syrup variety, as it can make the dish overly sweet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What side dishes go well with pineapple chicken?
Steamed broccoli, coconut rice, or even garlic naan are excellent accompaniments.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce while simmering.
Pineapple Chicken
Pineapple Chicken - This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with the tangy sweetness of pineapple, resulting in a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1" cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1" pieces
- 2 bell peppers, any color, cut into 1" pieces
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks, fresh or canned
- salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tsp cornstarch, or flour, mixed with 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp soy sauce, low sodium
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
Serving
- Cooked white rice (optional)
Instructions
- Take a medium bowl and whisk all the sauce ingredients together - hoisin sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Heat up a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add oil, once hot add the chicken to the skillet.
- Sauté the chicken until lightly browned for about 2 minutes per side.
- Now add bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks and sauté until crisp and tender.
- Add the sauce mixture, bring to a boil and stir continuously until the chicken pieces are well coated.
- Once done, remove from heat and serve the chicken and rice inside a hollowed-out pineapple or just over plain rice.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
6Amount Per Serving Calories 411Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 139mgSodium 453mgCarbohydrates 46gFiber 2gSugar 17gProtein 32g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken?
Still Hungry! Try These Other Delicious Chicken Recipes:
- Chicken Vegetable Soup
- Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans
- Pan Fried Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Chicken Breast and Rice
Final Thoughts
Pineapple chicken is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with endless customization options to suit your preferences. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress your family or guests. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or prepping a simple weeknight meal, this recipe is a surefire hit.
