Name: Easy Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces); 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh); 1 cup bell pepper (red, chopped); 0.5 cup onion (chopped); 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp garlic (minced); 0.5 tsp ginger (freshly grated); 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water); 0.25 tsp black pepper; 0.25 tsp salt (to taste); 2 tbsp green onions (chopped for garnish); 0.5 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

What is a game changer in my kitchen? What’s your favorite easy Pineapple Chicken recipe? Think of it as a sweeter, tangier cousin to your favorite sweet and sour chicken, but with way less fat. My family is obsessed with it! I remember the first time I made it. My kids were literally bouncing off the walls with their toys. I couldn’t keep them from smelling the aroma. What are some good things about sweet, savory, sticky? What are some of the best recipes for pickiest eaters? You’ve come to the right place. Is it that good?

What is Pineapple Chicken?

What is pineapple chicken? What is chicken in a pineapple sauce? I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. It’s essentially bite-sized pieces of chicken. What are some recipes for a pineapple sauce? What makes a sauce sing? It’s got pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar (I like vinegar) and salt. How do I use apple cider vinegar for a bit of extra zing) and spices? Is it addictive? Is it too complicated? Is it true that once you try it, you’ll be hooked?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Let me count the ways why you’ll absolutely adore this Easy Pineapple Chicken Recipe! First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. The sweet and tangy pineapple perfectly complements the savory chicken, creating a balance that’s seriously addictive. I always find myself going back for seconds! What I love most is how simple it is to make. Seriously, this is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. From start to finish, it takes less than 30 minutes, and most of that is just waiting for the chicken to cook! Plus, it’s so much cheaper than ordering takeout. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, which is always a win in my book. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it over rice, noodles, quinoa – even in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. We even sometimes throw it over a salad for lunch. I’ve tried other pineapple chicken recipes before, but this one is different. It’s got just the right amount of sweetness and tang, and the sauce is thick and clings to the chicken perfectly. This one is a total winner in my books. I’d compare it to my sweet and sour pork, but with a tropical twist!

How do I make Pineapple Chicken?

Quick Overview

What are some easy recipes for Pineapple Chicken? How do you prepare a chicken? How do you cook chicken in a pan until it’s golden brown and crispy? While the chicken cooks, you’ll whip up the delicious pineapple sauce. What’s the best part about tossing chicken in the sauce? Is it all done in one pan, so clean-up is minimal? What is the best weeknight meal you’ve ever had? Is it that simple?

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. I always try to buy organic if I can find it at a decent price, but regular chicken works great too!
* 1 cup all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free option, you can use 1:1 ratio. I’ve tried it, and it works perfectly.
* 1 teaspoon salt. I prefer sea salt for its flavor.
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is always best!
* 1 large egg, beaten. It helps the batter stick to the chicken.
* 1/2 cup milk. I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch, and it tastes fantastic!
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. You can also use canola oil or coconut oil if you like.

What is the recipe for Pineapple Sauce?
* 1 cup pineapple juice. Make sure it’s 100% juice, no added sugar!
* 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed. Light or dark brown works just fine. Dark brown sugar will give it a richer flavor.
* 1/4 cup soy sauce. I usually go for low-sodium.
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. It adds a nice tanginess. Can you substitute white vinegar for white wine vinegar?
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch. It helps thicken the sauce.
* 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder. Freshly grated ginger is even better if you have it!
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. You can also use 2 cloves of minced garlic.
* 1 cup pineapple chunks. Canned or fresh, whatever you prefer!
* Optional: 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) for extra veggies and color. What are the best crunch foods?

What are the steps for

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

What is the best way to cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces? In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. Set aside. In another bowl, beat the egg and milk. How do you dredge chicken in flour? Is it fully coated? This creates a crispy crust.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of brown. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess liquid.

Step 3: Make the Pineapple Sauce

In the same skillet, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, apple cider, and soy sauce. Set aside. What are the ingredients for vinegar, cornstarch, ginger powder, and garlic powder? Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. If you’re a vegetarian, cook the sauce for 5 minutes or until it’s thick Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the cooked chicken and pineapple chunks (and bell peppers, if using) to the skillet with the olive oil. Toss to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce. This step is crucial – it really brings everything together!

Step 5: Serve

Serve the Easy Pineapple Chicken over rice, noodles, or quinoa. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal. What is a family favorite?

What should I serve it with?

What is the best Pineapple Chicken recipe? For a complete meal, I love serving it with fluffy white rice or brown rice for an easy option. What are some good alternatives to cauliflower rice for low carbs?For a family dinner:Steamed broccoli or green beans are a healthy addition to any meal. I often toss them with a little soy sauce and sesame oil for extra flavor.For a Fun Get-Together:Egg rolls are always a hit! They add a nice crunchy contrast to the sweet and tangy chicken. What’s your favorite sweet chili sauce?For a Light Lunch:Serve the pineapple chicken in lettuce wraps with shredded carrots and cucumbers. What is a healthy way to enjoy it?My family tradition: What is your familyI make homemade coleslaw every time. I love it! How does the creamy coleslaw complement the chicken perfectly? Is it a tradition that my grandmother started, and now it’s an must-have in our house?

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How do I make a perfect Pineapple Chicken?

What are some of the best recipes for Pineapple Chicken? I’ve learned these tricks over many years of making this dish, and they make a difference!Chicken Prep:How do you cut chicken into even pieces? How do I cook them at the same time? If you’re cooking chicken, pat it dry with paper towels before coating it in the batter. This helps the batter stick better and creates a crispier crust.Batter Perfection: Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. If the batter is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Cooking Tips: Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to the skillet. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns properly.

Sauce Secrets: For a richer, more complex flavor, try adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the pineapple sauce. And if you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. I’ve tested this with some heat and it turns out great for my husband who loves spice.

Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with white vinegar or rice vinegar. If you’re out of pineapple juice, you can use orange juice or even apple juice in a pinch. I’ve found that the flavor isn’t quite the same, but it still works!

Baking Option: If you prefer to bake the chicken instead of frying it, you can do that too! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Then, toss the baked chicken in the pineapple sauce.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Easy Pineapple Chicken Recipe to keep it tasting its best!

Room Temperature: I really don’t recommend leaving this dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly, especially with the sauce.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the pineapple chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled down completely before refrigerating it.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the pineapple chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and remove as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tips: To reheat the pineapple chicken, you can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop. For the microwave, heat it in short intervals (about 1 minute at a time), stirring in between, until heated through. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For the stovetop, heat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Glaze Timing: I usually like to toss the chicken in the sauce right before serving to keep the chicken as crispy as possible. If you know you’re going to have leftovers, consider storing the chicken and sauce separately and combining them when you reheat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, absolutely! You can easily make this Easy Pineapple Chicken Recipe gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the batter. I’ve tested it with several different brands, and they all work well. Just make sure to check the labels of your other ingredients, like soy sauce, to ensure they are also gluten-free. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Definitely! Fresh pineapple will give the dish a brighter, fresher flavor. Just make sure to peel and core the pineapple and cut it into bite-sized chunks. You can use fresh pineapple juice as well, just be sure to use 100% juice with no added sugar.

How can I make this spicier?

If you like a little heat, there are several ways to spice up this Easy Pineapple Chicken Recipe. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce. You can also use a spicy soy sauce or add a small amount of cayenne pepper to the batter. I’ve even tried adding diced jalapeños to the sauce for extra kick!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs! Chicken thighs are a great option because they tend to be more flavorful and stay moist during cooking. Just make sure to trim any excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces before coating them in the batter.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to get creative with your veggies! Bell peppers (red, green, yellow), onions, carrots, snow peas, and broccoli all work well in this Easy Pineapple Chicken Recipe. Just add them to the skillet along with the pineapple chunks and cook until they are tender-crisp.

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it – my go-to Easy Pineapple Chicken Recipe! I hope you’ll give it a try and see for yourself just how delicious and easy it is to make. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, and it’s sure to become a family favorite in your house, just like it has in mine. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other Asian-inspired dishes, like my Honey Garlic Chicken and my Teriyaki Salmon. They’re all quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out. I can’t wait to hear from you!

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Easy Pineapple Chicken Recipe

What is Pineapple Chicken?

Why you’ll love this recipe?