Easy Pineapple Chicken Recipe | Cheff Recipes

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Pineapple chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the savory flavors of chicken with the sweet, tangy richness of pineapple. This easy recipe combines these two ingredients into a single, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even a festive gathering. Whether baked, grilled, or pan-fried, pineapple chicken is a versatile recipe that can be tailored to your preferences.

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The tropical flavor of pineapple, combined with the savory and aromatic taste of chicken, creates a perfect balance of flavors. The natural sweetness of pineapple helps to tenderize the chicken while creating a juicy, flavorful glaze that can be served with a variety of sides, like rice, veggies, or salad.

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Why This Recipe Works

The easy pineapple chicken recipe is loved because it combines the best of both sweet and savory flavors, making it universally appealing. The tangy and sweet pineapple helps to elevate the flavor of the chicken, making it juicy and tender. The sauce formed from the pineapple juice, soy sauce, and seasonings coats the chicken and creates a delicious glaze that is both sticky and flavorful.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare the chicken properly.

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1. Trim the chicken: If you’re using chicken breasts, trim any excess fat or tenderloins.
2. Season the chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed across all pieces. This will help to infuse the chicken with flavor from the outside.

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Sauce

1. Prepare the pineapple sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, and grated ginger (if using).
2. Cook the sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 5 minutes so that the pineapple chunks break down and the flavors meld together.
3. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Once the sauce has simmered for a few minutes, slowly add the slurry to the pan, stirring constantly. Continue cooking the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens and becomes syrupy. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

You can cook the chicken by pan-frying, grilling, or baking. Here, we’ll describe the pan-frying method, which is quick and easy.

1. Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
3. Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Pineapple Sauce

1. Add the sauce to the chicken: Once the chicken has rested, return it to the skillet with the pineapple sauce. Pour the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce. You can also flip the chicken a few times to ensure it’s evenly coated.
2. Garnish: Once the chicken is well-coated and the sauce has reduced slightly, garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the pineapple chicken: Plate the chicken with the pineapple sauce spooned over the top.
2. Pair with sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, cauliflower rice (for a lower-carb option), or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a simple green salad on the side.
3. Enjoy: Take a moment to enjoy the juicy, tender chicken with the sweet and tangy pineapple sauce.

Tips for Making the Best Pineapple Chicken

1. Use fresh pineapple: For the best flavor, use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple. Fresh pineapple has a more vibrant flavor, and its texture breaks down beautifully when cooked.
2. Customize the sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or acidity of the sauce by adding more honey or vinegar, depending on your taste preferences.
3. Thicken the sauce properly: If you want a thicker sauce, you can use more cornstarch. If you prefer a thinner sauce, reduce the amount of cornstarch or add a bit more pineapple juice.
4. Marinate the chicken (optional): If you have extra time, you can marinate the chicken in a portion of the pineapple sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking to add more depth of flavor.
5. Spicy version: For a spicy kick, add a chopped chili or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy-sweet contrast.
6. Grill the chicken: If you prefer grilling, you can marinate the chicken in the pineapple sauce and grill it over medium-high heat, brushing it with the sauce while grilling for extra flavor.

Variations

1. Pineapple Chicken Stir-fry: For a quick stir-fry version, cook the chicken in bite-sized pieces and stir-fry it with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and snap peas. Toss it with the pineapple sauce and serve over rice.
2. Baked Pineapple Chicken: If you prefer a hands-off cooking method, bake the seasoned chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, then pour the pineapple sauce over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking.
3. Pineapple Chicken Skewers: Marinate cubed chicken in pineapple sauce and thread it onto skewers with pineapple chunks. Grill until cooked through for a fun, BBQ-style twist on this dish.
4. Pineapple Chicken with Veggies: Add vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and broccoli to the skillet along with the chicken and sauce to make it a one-pan meal that’s both filling and nutritious.

Conclusion

This Easy Pineapple Chicken Recipe is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a delicious, tropical twist on a classic chicken dish. With the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you cook it in a skillet, on the grill, or in the oven, this easy-to-make dish is packed with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs, making it an incredibly versatile meal.

Prep Time
5 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Total Time
25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve the juice)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a substitute)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Cooked rice (for serving, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using), and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the pineapple sauce: Stir in the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Add the pineapple chunks: Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the pineapple to heat through and soak in the sauce.
6. Combine the chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the pineapple sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken and allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve: Serve the pineapple chicken over rice (if desired), garnished with sliced green onions.

Notes

Chicken Options: You can use boneless chicken thighs or even cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for a quicker cook time.

Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey depending on how sweet you like your dish.

Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider adding some bell peppers, onions, or snap peas to the skillet along with the pineapple chunks.

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