Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken
This sweet and savory dish combines tender chicken with the bright flavors of pineapple and soy sauce, making it a great option for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces tender and easy to chew
- 1 tablespoon olive oil adds moisture during cooking
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice) provides sweetness and texture
- 0.5 cup pineapple juice enhances sweetness and creates moisture
- 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce balances flavors with saltiness
- 2 tablespoons honey adds depth of sweetness
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch thickens the sauce
- 2 tablespoons water helps dissolve the cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic, minced contributes aromatic flavor
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger adds warmth and zing
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a hint of heat
- 0.5 teaspoon salt enhances overall flavor
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper adds mild spice
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional, for garnish provides a nutty crunch
Instructions
Cooking
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the olive oil. Allow it to warm slightly for a minute.
- Carefully place the bite-sized pieces of chicken breasts into the skillet in a single layer. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown and are cooked through with no pink remaining in the center.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are blended together thoroughly.
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes around the chicken.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the skillet while stirring to thicken the sauce further.
- Allow the chicken and sauce to cook together for another couple of minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and taste the dish, adjusting any seasonings as necessary. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or reheated as a snack.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 24gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 750mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19g
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