Pineapple chicken
Bring vibrant, tropical flavors to your dinner table with Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style). This irresistible dish combines juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables in a sweet and tangy sauce. A deliciously wholesome, takeout-inspired meal made in just 35 minutes!
Packed with vibrant ingredients and a luscious glaze, Pineapple Chicken delivers an Asian-inspired twist that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Paired with rice or noodles, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients That Make This Pineapple Chicken Shine
- Pineapple tidbits or chunks – Juicy sweetness and tropical zest are the soul of this dish. Reserve the juice for the savory-sweet sauce.
- Chicken breasts – Tender protein that soaks up the bold sauce beautifully.
- Honey – Adds natural sweetness, balancing the tangy and savory notes.
- Soy sauce – Provides umami depth essential for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
- Bell peppers and onions – Crisp veggies that bring texture and vibrant color.
- Fresh ginger and garlic – Infuse the dish with aromatic warmth and complexity.
Cooking Pineapple Chicken: A Quick Overview
- Mix the sauce: Whisk pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch.
- Prep the chicken: Season and coat chicken pieces with cornstarch for a golden, crispy exterior.
- Sauté pineapple and veggies: Caramelize pineapple, then stir-fry onions and bell peppers until tender-crisp.
- Combine and finish: Return the chicken to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and simmer until thickened.
Serve it hot with your favorite steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pineapple Chicken
To elevate your Pineapple Chicken, use fresh pineapple for a more intense tropical flavor, though canned works great for convenience. Adjust the sauce sweetness by adding more honey or balancing it with extra soy sauce or vinegar. For a richer texture, swap olive oil for sesame oil. Lastly, ensure the chicken is cooked in batches to maintain crispiness.
Storing and Reheating Pineapple Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to retain the dish’s vibrant textures. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—perfect for meal prep!
Savor the sweet, tangy flavors of Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style) with its tropical charm and bold, savory undertones. Whether you’re indulging in a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers every time!
Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 8-ounce cans pineapple tidbits or chunks, drained (reserve 3/4 cup juice for the sauce)
- 2 chicken breasts cut into 1″ pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch for chicken
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 medium onion sliced or cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 red bell pepper chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: 3/4 cup pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. If the pineapple juice is insufficient, add water to reach the required amount.
- Prepare the vegetables by slicing the onion and chopping the bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
- In a separate bowl, season the chicken pieces with garlic powder and pepper. Add 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, tossing the chicken until evenly coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to become hot before cooking the chicken. Work in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear the chicken for about 4 minutes on one side, flip, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil for the second batch, if needed. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
- If the skillet seems dry, add a teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté the pineapple tidbits for about 1 minute without stirring to develop a slight caramelization.
- Stir in the bell pepper and onion, cooking for about 3 minutes until tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Remove from heat once the dish is ready and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.