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Pineapple Chicken Delight

Pineapple Chicken Delight

Juicy chicken in a glossy pineapple-garlic sauce with peppers, ready in about 35 minutes. Bright, sweet, and weeknight easy.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut bite-size
  • 1.25 cup pineapple chunks, drained reserve 1/2 cup juice
  • 0.33 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 0.5 cup reserved pineapple juice
  • 3 tbsp ketchup
  • 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2.5 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional heat
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1.5 tbsp cornstarch for slurry
  • 2 tbsp water for slurry
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
  • 1.5 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 cup sliced green onions for garnish
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Whisk soy sauce, pineapple juice, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil.
  • Stir cornstarch with water to make a smooth slurry. Set aside.
  • Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season chicken with salt and black pepper. Sear until browned and cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  • Sauté onion and bell pepper in the same skillet until crisp-tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Return chicken to the pan. Add pineapple chunks and pour in the sauce. Bring to a simmer.
  • Drizzle in the cornstarch slurry while stirring. Cook until thick and glossy, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Finish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

Try it spicy by swapping red pepper flakes for 1 to 2 tsp chili-garlic sauce. For crunch, toss in a handful of roasted cashews at the end. Leftovers keep well; cool, then refrigerate up to 4 days and reheat gently with a splash of water.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Pineapple Chicken Delight flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.