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Sweet, savory, and totally satisfying—this Pineapple Chicken is like takeout made better at home. A quick dinner win! #weeknightdinner #pineapplechicken #easymeals
Pineapple Chicken is a sweet and savory dish that brings a little tropical sunshine to your dinner table. Juicy chunks of pineapple mingle with tender chicken in a glossy, tangy sauce that’s absolutely crave-worthy. It’s quick to whip up and feels like takeout—but even better because you made it yourself.
Perfect for a weeknight pick-me-up, this dish comes together fast and pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. It’s also a great way to get in some extra fruit and veggie goodness, and the leftovers (if you have any!) are fantastic the next day.
1. Yield, Time & Tools
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Tools Needed: Large skillet or wok, knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons
2. Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Add-Ins:
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks (or fresh)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ small onion, chopped
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
3. Preparation Steps
A. Prep the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper, then toss with cornstarch to coat.
B. Brown the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
C. Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté bell pepper and onion for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
D. Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
E. Combine & Simmer
Return chicken to the skillet. Add pineapple chunks and pour in the sauce. Stir to coat and simmer for 3–5 minutes until everything is hot and the sauce thickens slightly.
F. Garnish & Serve
Top with green onions, sesame seeds, or lime wedges. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
4. Tips & Variations
- Use fresh pineapple for extra zing.
- Add snow peas or broccoli for a veggie boost.
- Substitute maple syrup or honey for brown sugar.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or sriracha.
5. Troubleshooting FAQ
Why is my chicken not browning?
Make sure the pan is hot and don’t overcrowd—cook in batches.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—store components separately and combine just before serving.
Can I use frozen pineapple?
Sure! Thaw it first and pat dry to avoid watering down the sauce.
Can I bake this instead?
Yes—combine all in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
6. Serving Suggestions
- Serve over jasmine or basmati rice.
- Pair with lo mein or stir-fried noodles.
- Add a crisp cucumber salad or steamed edamame on the side.
- Turn leftovers into wraps or rice bowls.
7. Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
- Make-Ahead Tips: Chop ingredients and mix sauce ahead of time.
- Freezer Instructions: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce together; thaw and reheat in skillet.
