Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style)
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
cut into 1" pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- to tastePepper
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
divided
- 2 cans pineapple tidbits or chunks)
8 ounce
- 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
Directions
- 1
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.
- 2
Prep your veggies.
- 3
Cut the chicken into 1" pieces and add them to a bowl. Toss them with the garlic powder and some pepper. Add the cornstarch and toss until coated.
- 4
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Let the pan heat up for a few minutes. Cook the chicken in two batches (don't crowd the pan). Cook the chicken for 4 minutes and then flip (I use tongs to do this quickly) and cook for another 3-4 minutes or so. Chicken should be browned and cooked through (165F). For the second batch, I add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Transfer each batch of the chicken to a plate when it's done.
- 5
If the pan is dry, add a small splash of olive oil (a teaspoon or so), and then add the pineapple. Let it cook without stirring it for about a minute.
- 6
Stir in the peppers and onions and cook for another 3 minutes or so, stirring occasionally. Veggies will be tender-crisp. You can cook for a little longer if you wish.
- 7
Add the chicken back to the pan and then stir in the sauce. Let it bubble until it's thickened (about 1-2 minutes), then take the pan off the heat and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style)
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About this Recipe
Tired of expensive takeout but craving those irresistible sweet and tangy flavors? This Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style) recipe brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen, offering a delicious and affordable alternative that will quickly become a family favorite.
What makes this pineapple chicken truly stand out is the perfectly balanced sauce, crafted with reserved pineapple juice, golden honey, savory soy sauce, and a vibrant kick from fresh ginger and minced garlic. This thoughtful combination creates a glossy, sticky coating that clings beautifully to every piece of tender chicken and vibrant vegetable, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite.
Prepare for a symphony of flavors and textures with this delightful dish. You'll enjoy succulent pieces of chicken, juicy bursts of pineapple tidbits or chunks, and crisp-tender red bell pepper and onion, all enrobed in that irresistible, sweet-and-tangy sauce. The garlic powder and pepper seasoned chicken, combined with the rich sauce and fresh aromatics like grated ginger, delivers a taste that is both comforting and exciting. It's a naturally vibrant meal that feels both indulgent and remarkably fresh.
Customizing Your Pineapple Chicken
This recipe is incredibly versatile. For a different protein, consider swapping the chicken for firm tofu, shrimp, or even pork cut into similar 1-inch pieces. If you don't have rice vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar works perfectly for a similar tang. To enhance the vegetable medley, feel free to add snap peas, broccoli florets, or julienned carrots alongside the bell pepper and onion, ensuring they are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
This vibrant Pineapple Chicken is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special or a casual weekend gathering. Serve it generously over steamed jasmine rice or with a side of fluffy quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.