Description
This flavorful Asian-style Pineapple Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces cooked to perfection in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, complemented by caramelized pineapple chunks and crisp bell peppers. A quick and easy skillet dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cornstarch, for coating chicken
- Olive oil, for cooking
Sauce
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger (fresh grated or powdered)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced or powdered)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Vegetables and Fruit
- 2 cans pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into pieces
- 1 small onion, sliced (assumed as mentioned in the instructions)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and well combined to form the sweet and tangy sauce.
- Season the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, black pepper, and cornstarch, coating them evenly. This will help the chicken brown nicely and thicken the sauce later.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Pineapple and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add pineapple tidbits and sauté until they begin to caramelize slightly, enhancing their sweetness. Add the red bell pepper pieces and sliced onion, cooking until they are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed pineapple and vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir to combine and let simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients beautifully.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger if available.
- Serve with steamed white rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- You can substitute honey with brown sugar or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to control saltiness according to your taste.
- If using frozen pineapple tidbits, thaw and drain thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess liquid.
