If you are looking for a bright and flavorful dish that’s both easy to make and full of joyful tropical flavors, this Pineapple Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy chicken pieces paired with sweet and tangy pineapple create an irresistible combination, while the savory sauce hits all the right notes with garlic, ginger, and hoisin. It’s a delightful meal that perfectly balances sweetness and savoriness, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Once you try this Pineapple Chicken Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to dishes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pineapple Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each add a unique layer of flavor, texture, and color. From succulent chicken to the brightness of pineapple and the rich depth of hoisin, every component is essential for achieving that perfect harmony.
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil: Perfect for sautéing chicken evenly without overpowering flavors.
- 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Cut into bite-size pieces, providing tender and juicy protein.
- 2 cups fresh or canned pineapple: Adds juicy sweetness and a beautiful tropical zing.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Brings a warm, aromatic foundation to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger: Adds a subtle spicy warmth that complements the pineapple.
- ¾ cup pineapple juice: Enhances the tropical sweetness in the sauce.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Infuses a savory saltiness that balances the sweet components.
- 2/3 cup chicken broth (divided): Helps deglaze the pan and adds depth to the sauce.
- 1/3 cup hoisin sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy complexity to the dish.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Enhances the caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for that perfect glossy finish.
- 2 teaspoons cold water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch for smooth texture.
- 2 Tablespoons sesame seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal as a garnish.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- Green onion (chopped for garnish): Freshens the dish with a mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
- Chili garlic sauce (optional): For those who love a little heat to balance the sweetness.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by drying the chicken pieces thoroughly with paper towels. This simple step helps the chicken brown beautifully. Then cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and season generously with salt and pepper, ensuring every piece gets coated for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat up your vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Stir it around to coat every piece in oil. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s nicely browned on all sides and cooked through. This browning step develops flavor and locks in juiciness.
Step 3: Deglaze and Build Flavor
Pour ¼ cup of chicken broth into the pan to deglaze—this means it loosens all those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan. Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for just 30 seconds until the aroma fills your kitchen. These aromatic elements add layers of flavor that shine through in the final dish.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, the remaining chicken broth, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar. Pour this flavor-packed mixture into the pan with the chicken and bring it to a gentle simmer. Watch as the sauce melds into the chicken and pineapples, creating a glossy, delectable coating.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then stir this slurry into the simmering sauce. This will thicken it beautifully, giving your Pineapple Chicken Recipe that irresistible stickiness that clings to every bite of chicken and pineapple.
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onion on top to add crunchy texture and fresh, bright flavors. For a little extra zing, a drizzle of chili garlic sauce brings desirable heat that beautifully contrasts with the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This Pineapple Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce perfectly. For those who love more greens, a side of stir-fried vegetables or crisp Asian slaw offers a refreshing crunch and color contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, serve the chicken and pineapple mixture inside hollowed pineapple halves for a tropical vibe that will impress guests. Alternatively, serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist, or toss the chicken with noodles for a hearty meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so the Pineapple Chicken Recipe tastes even better the next day. Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best quality and safety.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the cooked chicken with sauce in a freezer-safe container. It should maintain good flavor for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy later.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over medium heat in a pan to keep the chicken tender and the sauce silky. Add a splash of chicken broth if it’s too thick. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring midway helps reheat evenly without drying the chicken out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pineapple for this recipe?
Yes, frozen pineapple works just as well as fresh or canned. Just thaw it before adding to avoid adding extra liquid to the pan, which could dilute the sauce.
Is this recipe spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
The base Pineapple Chicken Recipe is mild and sweet. If you want some heat, stir in chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to taste. You can always serve spicy condiments on the side for guests to add as they like.
Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?
Absolutely. Shrimp, pork, or tofu make fantastic alternatives for this recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as these proteins have different textures and doneness requirements.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If hoisin isn’t on hand, you can substitute with a mix of soy sauce and a bit of honey or brown sugar with a dash of five-spice powder to approximate the sweet and tangy flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check that your hoisin sauce does not contain gluten or substitute accordingly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Chicken Recipe is a delicious celebration of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors wrapped around tender, juicy chicken. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but special enough for company. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and experience how easy it is to create a meal that tastes like a tropical getaway on your plate.
Print
Pineapple Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Pineapple Chicken recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with tender chicken pieces cooked in a tangy pineapple and hoisin sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, it features juicy pineapple chunks and a hint of garlic and ginger, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for added texture and freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1–1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Sauce and Flavorings
- 2 cups fresh or canned pineapple, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- ¾ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2/3 cup chicken broth, divided
- 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons cold water
Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Green onion, chopped for garnish
- Chili garlic sauce, optional
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Dry both sides of the chicken pieces with paper towels to ensure even browning during cooking.
- Season Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl, season with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper, and mix well to coat all the pieces evenly.
- Heat Oil: Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot oil, stir to coat all pieces, and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned on all sides and completely cooked through.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour ¼ cup of the chicken broth into the pan, using a utensil to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom for added flavor.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, the remaining â…“ cup chicken broth, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the chicken, bring to a simmer, and cook until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is well coated.
- Thicken Sauce: Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry, add it into the simmering pan, and stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add Pineapple: Fold in the pineapple chunks, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through without losing their texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Optionally, add chili garlic sauce for heat and serve immediately with rice or noodles.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option or chicken breasts for leaner meat.
- Adjust the brown sugar according to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Use fresh pineapple for best flavor, but canned pineapple works well too.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Be careful not to overcook the pineapple to maintain its texture.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal.
