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Pineapple Chicken

Pineapple Chicken

A vibrant and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the tropics right to your kitchen, offering a quick and easy weeknight meal solution. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to prepare a delicious and satisfying dinner with minimal fuss, making it incredibly useful for busy individuals and families.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired, Tropical

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
  • Cooked white or brown rice, for serving

Equipment

  • Medium Bowl
  • Small separate bowl
  • Large skillet or wok

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the undrained pineapple chunks (reserving the juice for later), soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Set aside.
    1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in juice, undrained, 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger, 2 cloves garlic, minced
  2. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This will be used to thicken the sauce.
    1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons cold water
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. You don't need to cook it through completely at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
    1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  4. Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are slightly tender-crisp.
    1/2 red bell pepper, diced, 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
  5. Pour the prepared pineapple sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring to combine everything.
  6. Once simmering, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet while stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, coating the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
  7. Serve the Pineapple Chicken immediately over a bed of fluffy cooked white or brown rice. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired, for an extra burst of freshness.
    Cooked white or brown rice, for serving, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Notes

This dish stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freezing is possible but may affect pepper texture. Optimal storage is refrigerated.
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