Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Pineapple Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, offering a delightful meal that is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. This dish features tender chicken pieces cooked in a tangy pineapple sauce, enriched with soy and a touch of brown sugar. The result is a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs beautifully with white rice or your favorite side dish. Whether you’re planning a quick family dinner or looking for a dish to impress, this recipe will surely win hearts.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 (15-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve ½ cup of the juice)
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients
   Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Drain the canned pineapple, reserving ½ cup of the juice. Mince the garlic and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce
   In a medium-sized bowl, mix the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic. If you want a hint of spice, add the red pepper flakes. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Cook the Chicken
   Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add the sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5–7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce
   Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Add the pineapple chunks and stir to coat everything evenly. Let the mixture simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Thicken the Sauce
   In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the skillet while stirring. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Serve
   Remove from heat and serve the Pineapple Chicken over cooked white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an added touch of flavor and presentation.

Tips for Success

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.
• If you prefer a crunchier texture, add some roasted cashews or water chestnuts.

This Pineapple Chicken recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the juiciness of pineapple with the rich umami of soy sauce and the sweetness of brown sugar. It’s a dish that strikes the perfect balance of flavors while remaining incredibly easy to make. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or even a casual gathering, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Pair it with white rice or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy your culinary creation, and don’t forget to share this delicious recipe with friends and family!