This Pineapple Chicken recipe is a perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors. It features tender chicken pieces marinated in pineapple juice, soy sauce, and a blend of spices. The pineapple chunks add a burst of tropical flavor, while the bell peppers provide a refreshing crunch. Serve this dish over steamed rice for a complete meal that is sure to please the whole family. With a preparing time of 35 minutes, this recipe is a quick and hassle-free option for busy weeknight dinners. Try this amazing dish and get ready to delight your taste buds!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1 can pineapple chunks in juice, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice (reserved from the can), soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger paste. Stir well to make the marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (reserving the marinade) and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet with bell peppers and pour in the reserved marinade. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until well-coated in the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
- Serve the Pineapple Chicken over steamed rice and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which helps tenderize the chicken and adds a unique flavor to the dish.
Pineapple Chicken is a popular dish in Hawaiian cuisine, where the tropical fruit is abundant.
You can also use chicken thighs or a combination of chicken breasts and thighs for an even richer and juicier flavor.