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Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken

Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken
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Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken is a quick and easy dish that perfectly balances fruity sweetness with a savory punch. Juicy chicken breasts are cooked with fresh pineapple chunks in a glossy sauce made of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. This flavorful meal is vibrant, tender, and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, pleasing both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Produce

  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Sauces & Sweeteners

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar

Oils & Thickening

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or strips for even cooking. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then toss the pieces in cornstarch to give the chicken a slight crust and help thicken the sauce later.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Stir well to create a flavorful sauce that will coat the dish.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat your choice of olive oil or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  4. Sauté Vegetables and Pineapple: In the same skillet, add diced red bell peppers and fresh pineapple chunks. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender and the pineapple is slightly caramelized.
  5. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over. Stir well to coat all the ingredients, then continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken into a glossy glaze.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top, toss lightly, and serve hot for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Notes

  • Slice chicken pieces evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tender bites.
  • Marinate chicken briefly in half the sauce before cooking to deepen flavor.
  • Remove chicken from heat as soon as cooked through to maintain juiciness.
  • Use fresh pineapple for best texture and balanced sweetness; canned pineapple can add excess liquid.
  • Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to the sauce to avoid clumping.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, family meal, gluten-free chicken dish

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/sweet-and-savory-pineapple-chicken/