Hey there my friend 👋. You are about to learn how to make the easiest and most delicious pineapple chicken. This one is juicy, sweet, and a little tangy.
And guess what? I am going to show you how to get the best sauce without making it watery. If you have had pineapple chicken that tasted like soup, that won’t happen here. Let’s get started.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Small bowl (for mixing sauce)
Important Info
- Servings: 4 servings
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $12, depending on ingredient prices in your area
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 380 kcal
- Cook method: Stovetop
- Season: Perfect for all seasons
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diets: GlutenFreeDiet
How to Make Pineapple Chicken
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this dish and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1/2 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | Chicken thighs or tofu (for a vegetarian version) |
| Pineapple chunks | Mango chunks or orange segments |
| Soy sauce | Coconut aminos or tamari |
| Honey | Brown sugar or maple syrup |
| Cornstarch | All-purpose flour |
| Vegetable oil | Olive oil or sesame oil |
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, ground ginger, and garlic. Stir well and set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the red and green bell peppers. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add the pineapple chunks and stir for another 1 minute.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir everything together.
- Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Helpful Tips
- If using canned pineapple, drain it well to avoid extra liquid in the sauce.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and pineapple juice for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Want more heat? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or more pineapple juice.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day because the flavors deepen overnight.
What to Serve with Pineapple Chicken
This goes great with:
- Steamed white rice or brown rice
- Fried rice for extra flavor
- Noodles for a different texture
- Roasted vegetables for a healthy side
- A fresh cucumber salad to balance the sweetness
How Do You Serve Pineapple Chicken?
The best way to serve this is in a deep plate or bowl to hold the sauce. A fork and spoon work best for eating it, but chopsticks are also a great option if you want the full experience.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This dish is great for family dinners because it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. It also works for meal prep since it stores well. You can even serve it at potlucks or casual gatherings.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you plan to eat it within 2 hours, keep it covered in a warm spot.
- Do not leave it out longer to avoid bacteria growth.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- It stays fresh for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a microwave or skillet over low heat before serving.
Freezing
- Place cooled pineapple chicken in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, you can. Just drain the juice to prevent the dish from being too watery. If using fresh pineapple, use ripe ones for better sweetness.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to make it spicier.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweetness from the pineapple makes it a hit with kids. If making for children, you may want to leave out the red pepper flakes.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes, you can use shrimp, tofu, or even beef instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or pineapple juice. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
