Pineapple Chicken Recipe

pineapple chicken recipe

Pineapple Chicken

pineapple chicken recipe

This pineapple chicken is a stir fry of chicken, pineapple and vegetables all tossed in a sweet and savory sauce. Serve this Chinese style pineapple chicken over rice for an easy dinner that everyone will love!

Prep: 10min

Total: 30min

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 393 kcal, Carbohydrate 55 g, Protein 25 g, Fat 8 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 108 mg, Sodium 615 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 25 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1 inch pieces)
  • 1 red bell pepper (seeded. cored and cut into 1 inch pieces)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 3/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons corn starch
  • 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon sliced green onions
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instruction:

  1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste and add to the pan.
  2. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
  3. Add the red bell pepper and pineapple to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes or until tender. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, chicken broth, hoisin sauce and brown sugar.
  5. Add the sauce mixture to the pan and bring to a simmer.
  6. Mix the corn starch with 1 tablespoon of cold water; stir until smooth.
  7. Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan and stir to combine. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute or until sauce has just thickened.
  8. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve.

Pineapple Chicken

pineapple chicken recipe

Throw out the take-out menu and make your own Pineapple Chicken right at home in under 30 minutes with spicy jalapeño, sweet bell peppers, and nutty cashews.

Prep: 10min

Total: 30min

Yield: 4 serving(s)

Nutrition Facts: calories 410 Calories, Fat 13 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Trans Fat 0 g, Cholesterol 107 mg, Sodium 819 mg, Carbohydrate 45 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 26 g, Protein 27 g

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1″ pieces
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3/4 c. canned pineapple juice
  • 1/4 c. low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 c. packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp. hoisin sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 jalapeño, minced (seeded if desired)
  • 2 tsp. cornstarch
  • 1 c. pineapple chunks
  • 1/4 c. cashews
  • Thinly sliced scallions, for serving
  • Cooked white rice, for serving
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Pineapple Chicken

pineapple chicken recipe

Stove Top or Grilled Pineapple Chicken – just 10 minutes prep for this easy, flavor bursting chicken! The sweet and tangy flavor is amazing with just the right amount of chili kick and the marinade doubles as an incredible glaze for no double work! This Pineapple Chicken makes a winning stress free entertaining favorite but is easy enough for back to school dinners. It can be grilled or cooked on the stovetop and even turned into a delectable stir fry (as many readers have done and loved) because the glaze/sauce is everything!

Prep: 10min

Total: 24min

Yield: 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds chicken tenderloins (OR skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup CANNED pineapple juice
  • 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice ((1 for less tangy))
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1-2 teaspoons Asian chili paste ((like Sambal Oelek))
  • 1 tsp EACH salt, garlic pwdr, ginger pwdr
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • chopped green onions
  • additional Asian chili sauce (to taste)

Instruction:

  1. Whisk the Marinade/Glaze ingredients together in a medium bowl. Add 1/3 cup to a large freezer bag and whisk in 1/4 cup olive oil. Add the chicken and marinate 2-4 hours in the refrigerator. Refrigerate the remaining marinade (will become your Glaze) separately.
  2. When ready to cook, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes.
  3. GRILL DIRECTIONS: Meanwhile, grease and preheat grill to medium heat, 375 to 450°F. Drain chicken from the marinade and pat dry.
  4. Grill the chicken undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through. (An inserted thermometer should read 165 degrees F when chicken is done.)
  5. Meanwhile, add reserved glaze to a small saucepan and whisk in 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Place covered saucepan on the grill (or stove), and bring to a simmer (this can be done after chicken is cooked if you don’t have room on your grill). Once simmering, remove lid and whisk until thickened. Brush cooked chicken with glaze and serve any extra as a sauce for rice.
  6. Garnish chicken with lemon zest and green onions and additional chili sauce to taste (optional).
  7. STOVE TOP DIRECTIONS: Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Once very hot, drain chicken from marinade, pat dry and add to skillet. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, or until nicely browned on one side. Turn chicken over, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Cook for approximately 3-5 more minutes (depending on thickness of chicken), or until chicken is cooked through. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
  8. Whisk 2 teaspoons cornstarch to reserved Glaze and add to now empty skillet. Bring to a simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally. Add chicken to Glaze and toss to coat. Garnish chicken with lemon zest and green onions and additional chili sauce to taste (optional).

Pineapple Chicken

pineapple chicken recipe

This crispy, saucy chicken is every pineapple lover’s dream! Pineapple chicken is the best mix of sweet and savory. It’s a quick and easy dinner that your family will go crazy over!

Prep: 20min

Total: 35min

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 673 kcal, Carbohydrate 78 g, Protein 37 g, Fat 23 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Trans Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 109 mg, Sodium 609 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 56 g, unSaturated Fat 19 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 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))
  • 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

Instruction:

  1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Cook the chicken on both sides for 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally until chicken is browned and mostly cooked through. It will continue to cook for additional time while it simmers in the sauce.
  2. Serve over rice, and garnish with sesame seeds and diced green onion.

Pineapple chicken | Easy pineapple chicken | pineapple chicken recipe

FAQ

What does pineapple do for chicken?

Bromelain, the group of enzymes in fresh pineapple, is excellent at breaking down the connective tissues in thick, fibrous chicken breasts. In this simple marinade, grated pineapple completely alters the texture of the breast meat, resulting in something that’s akin to luscious dark meat.

Can you marinate chicken too long in pineapple juice?

You can whisk together the pineapple chicken marinade a few days in advance, but you shouldn’t let the chicken marinate in the sauce for too long as the acidic pineapple juice will break down the meat over time and result in rubbery grilled chicken.

Does pineapple juice tenderize chicken?

Pineapple has naturally occurring digestive enzymes which also work in a marinade to tenderize the chicken. If you use fresh pineapple juice you will only want to marinate for about an hour so the meat doesn’t become mushy.

What goes well with Hawaiian chicken?

What to Serve with Hawaiian Chicken? 7 BEST Side Dishes
  • Hawaiian Fried Rice.
  • Hawaiian Baked Beans.
  • Cauliflower Fried Rice.
  • Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.
  • Creamy Spaghetti Squash.
  • Soft Hawaiian Asparagus.
  • Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes.
About the author

Helen is an author and editor at helenbackcafe.com, who has a passion for writing about recipes. She loves to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and unique dishes.

Among all the foods, pizza holds a special place in her heart, and she loves exploring different variations and toppings to create the perfect slice. Through her writing, Helen hopes to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and share their love for food with the world.

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