Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style)
This Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style) recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will transport your taste buds to the Far East. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish combines tender chicken with juicy pineapple and crisp vegetables, all coated in a delicious sauce. The best part? It’s easy to make and costs less than takeout!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Flavorful Sauce: The sweet and tangy sauce made from pineapple juice, honey, and soy sauce elevates the dish, making it irresistible.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add more spice to suit your taste.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fresh veggies, this dish is a nutritious alternative to fast food.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet flavor of pineapple mixed with chicken, making it a hit at the dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your Pineapple Chicken, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will ensure smooth preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick skillet: Helps prevent sticking and allows for easy flipping of chicken pieces.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Perfect for achieving a smooth sauce consistency quickly.
Ingredients
This pineapple chicken stir fry recipe has a deliciously sweet and tangy sauce that perfectly coats the tender chicken, pineapple, and veggies. It costs less than takeout!
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into 1 pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pepper (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 (8 ounce) cans pineapple tidbits or chunks (drained but reserve 3/4 cup juice for the sauce)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1/2 medium onion (sliced or cut into bite-size pieces)
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
How to Make Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style)
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- Add the sauce ingredients to a small bowl. If you don’t have quite enough pineapple juice to make 3/4 cup, just top the rest up with water.
- Whisk until smooth.
Step 2: Prep Your Veggies
- Cut your red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice or cut the onion into bite-sized pieces as well.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into 1 pieces and place them in a bowl.
- Toss them with garlic powder and pepper to taste.
- Add cornstarch to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes.
- Cook the chicken in two batches; do not crowd the pan.
- Cook first batch for about 4 minutes before flipping.
- Continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through (165°F).
- Add another tablespoon of olive oil for the second batch if needed.
- Transfer each batch of cooked chicken to a plate.
Step 5: Sauté Pineapple
- If needed, add a small splash of olive oil to the pan after removing chicken.
- Add pineapple chunks and let them cook without stirring for about one minute.
Step 6: Add Vegetables
- Stir in red bell pepper and onion; cook for another 3 minutes while stirring occasionally until tender-crisp.
Step 7: Combine Everything
- Return cooked chicken back into the pan with veggies.
- Stir in prepared sauce; let it bubble until thickened for about 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Enjoy your flavorful Pineapple Chicken stir fry!
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style)
Serving Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style) is simple and enjoyable. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some creative ways to serve this delightful meal.
Over Rice
- Serve the pineapple chicken over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a traditional touch that soaks up the delicious sauce.
With Noodles
- Toss the chicken with lo mein or rice noodles for a quick and satisfying meal. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra texture.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Spoon the pineapple chicken into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option. Top with chopped green onions for added crunch.
Garnished with Sesame Seeds
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving to add a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the dish.
With Fresh Herbs
- Add a handful of fresh cilantro or basil as a garnish. The herbs provide an aromatic finish that enhances the overall taste.
Served with Lime Wedges
- Accompany your dish with lime wedges for an extra zing. A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors beautifully.
How to Perfect Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style)
Achieving the perfect Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style) involves attention to detail in both cooking and presentation. Here are some tips to ensure success.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture in your stir fry.
- Control Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should be tender and juicy. Monitor closely while frying.
- Thicken Sauce Wisely: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer before serving, but avoid burning.
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas based on your preferences.
- Adjust Sweetness: Modify the amount of honey if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet dish; balance is key.
- Serve Immediately: For optimal taste, serve your Pineapple Chicken right after cooking while it’s hot and fresh.
Best Side Dishes for Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style)
Pairing side dishes with your Pineapple Chicken can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fried Rice: Cooked rice stir-fried with eggs, peas, carrots, and soy sauce makes a hearty side.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing out the sweetness of the chicken.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat offer a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup brings warmth and depth to your meal without overpowering it.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar complements the robust flavors of the chicken.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, veggies, or tofu provide an additional light bite alongside your main course.
- Sesame Green Beans: Tossed in sesame oil, these green beans deliver a delightful crunch and nutty flavor profile.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-rich quinoa salad mixed with diced veggies offers a nutritious side that’s easy to prepare.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making pineapple chicken (Asian style), it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
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Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it tough and dry. Monitor the cooking time closely, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to less flavor. Consider letting it sit in the garlic powder and pepper for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
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Ignoring Veggie Prep: Failing to chop veggies into uniform sizes can result in uneven cooking. Cut them into similar bite-size pieces for even tenderness.
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Using Too Much Sauce: Adding too much sauce can overpower the dish. Start with the recommended amount and adjust based on your taste preference.
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Crowding the Pan: Adding too much chicken at once can lower the pan’s temperature, leading to steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches for better browning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style)
- Place in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; label with the date for reference.
Reheating Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style)
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Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place in an oven-safe dish, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
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Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and reheat in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
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Stovetop: Add a splash of water or oil in a pan over medium heat, stir occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about pineapple chicken (Asian style) that you might find helpful.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh pineapple adds a vibrant flavor and texture. Just be sure to cut it into equal-sized chunks.
What can I serve with pineapple chicken (Asian style)?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. You could also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables.
How do I customize my pineapple chicken recipe?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. Adjust the sweetness by modifying honey levels to suit your taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check labels on cornstarch and other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Pineapple chicken (Asian style) is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different veggies or spices based on what you have on hand. This dish brings together sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love, making it perfect for any dinner table!
Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in a taste of the tropics with our Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style) recipe. This quick and easy dish brings together tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and vibrant vegetables, all enveloped in a sweet and tangy sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s a delightful alternative to takeout that’s both budget-friendly and nutritious. In just 35 minutes, you can serve up this flavorful stir fry over rice or noodles, making it a family favorite that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1" pieces
- 2 (8-ounce) cans pineapple tidbits or chunks
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1/2 medium onion
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Fresh ginger and garlic
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic to create the sauce.
- Coat chicken pieces with garlic powder and cornstarch; set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté pineapple for one minute before adding bell pepper and onion; cook until tender-crisp.
- Combine chicken back into the pan with veggies, add sauce, and simmer until thickened.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
