You’ll love this easy Pineapple Chicken recipe with stir-fried chicken, vibrant vegetables, and sweet pineapple in a tangy teriyaki sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this dish shines with flavor and is sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it over rice to soak up the delightful sauce, making it not just a meal but a memorable experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delicious meal even on busy nights.
- Packed with flavor: The combination of sweet pineapple and savory teriyaki sauce creates a mouthwatering balance that excites your taste buds.
- Healthy ingredients: Loaded with colorful veggies and lean chicken, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or adjust the sweetness of the sauce to suit your taste.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this delightful twist on chicken dinner.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools for making Pineapple Chicken. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make cooking more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows for even cooking of chicken and vegetables without overcrowding, ensuring great texture.
- Medium bowl: This is perfect for mixing the teriyaki sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the pan.
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple)
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or pure maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
For the Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 ½ tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil (divided)
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small red onion (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (chopped into small bite-size pieces)
For Serving
- 20 ounces canned pineapple chunks in 100% juice (reserve the juice for the sauce)
- Cooked rice (optional, for serving)
- Chopped green onions (optional, for serving)
How to Make Pineapple Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine all of the teriyaki sauce ingredients. Whisk until well combined.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Let them brown on one side for a few minutes. Toss occasionally until cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add remaining oil to the skillet. Then add chopped red onion, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir often for about 4 minutes until veggies are almost crisp-tender.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Return cooked chicken to the pan. Add pineapple chunks and re-whisk the teriyaki sauce before pouring it into the skillet. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Serve Your Dish
Serve your flavorful Pineapple Chicken over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your wholesome meal!
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken
Pineapple Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its delicious flavors. Here are some serving ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable.
Over Steamed Rice
- Steamed white or brown rice acts as a perfect base, soaking up the sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a lighter option, serve Pineapple Chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing bite.
With Quinoa
- Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and extra protein, making it a healthy alternative to rice.
As a Stir-Fry Bowl
- Create a colorful stir-fry bowl with Pineapple Chicken, topped with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
On Noodles
- Serve over noodles, such as soba or rice noodles, for an Asian-inspired twist.
With Tortillas
- Use soft tortillas to wrap the Pineapple Chicken for tasty tacos that are easy to eat on the go.
How to Perfect Pineapple Chicken
To make the best Pineapple Chicken, consider these helpful tips for flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality chicken will enhance the dish’s overall taste.
- Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes adds depth to the flavors.
- Cook on High Heat: Stir-frying over high heat helps achieve that beautiful caramelization on the chicken and vegetables.
- Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Keep them slightly crisp-tender for better texture and color contrast.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of honey or brown sugar in the sauce based on your preference for sweetness.
- Garnish Generously: Adding fresh herbs or chopped green onions before serving makes every plate visually appealing.
Best Side Dishes for Pineapple Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Pineapple Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli complements the dish and adds nutrients without overpowering flavors.
- Fried Rice: A classic choice that brings a comforting element with additional veggies and soy sauce.
- Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice pairs beautifully with the tangy pineapple flavor.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds freshness and crunch.
- Garlic Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans with garlic provide a savory balance to the meal.
- Miso Soup: This warm soup offers umami flavors that complement Pineapple Chicken nicely.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with veggies can be a fun appetizer alongside your main dish.
- Pickled Vegetables: Add a tangy contrast that enhances each bite of Pineapple Chicken while providing digestive benefits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pineapple Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the marinade: Marinating the chicken in the teriyaki sauce enhances its flavor. Don’t skip this step for maximum taste.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Monitor your cooking time closely to ensure juicy pieces.
- Using too much heat: A high heat can burn the vegetables and sauce. Use medium heat for even cooking and better flavor.
- Neglecting to cut uniform sizes: If chicken and veggies are not cut evenly, some will cook faster than others. Aim for 1-inch pieces for consistent cooking.
- Not reserving pineapple juice: The juice adds essential flavor to the sauce. Always reserve it before using canned pineapple chunks.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Storage duration: Pineapple Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Container type: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent odor absorption.
Freezing Pineapple Chicken
- Storage duration: You can freeze Pineapple Chicken for up to 3 months.
- Container type: Store in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Pineapple Chicken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid or damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the chicken with a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce, stirring until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I serve with Pineapple Chicken?
Pineapple Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I customize the vegetables in Pineapple Chicken?
Yes! Feel free to swap out broccoli and bell peppers for your favorite veggies like snap peas, carrots, or bok choy.
Is Pineapple Chicken healthy?
Absolutely! This recipe is packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the vegetables. Plus, using low-sugar ingredients keeps it nutritious.
How do I make Pineapple Chicken spicy?
To add some heat, include crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños in your stir-fry. Adjust according to your spice preference!
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh pineapple works beautifully in this dish. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it when you combine everything in the skillet.
Final Thoughts
Pineapple Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or sauces based on your preferences. This quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Give it a try and enjoy a burst of flavors!
Pineapple Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings a delightful twist to your weeknight meals. With tender stir-fried chicken, colorful vegetables, and sweet pineapple all coated in a tangy teriyaki sauce, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet. In just 30 minutes, you can create a wholesome meal that the whole family will love. Serve it over rice to soak up the delicious sauce or enjoy it in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. This adaptable dish allows you to customize the vegetables to suit your taste, making it a go-to favorite for busy nights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small red onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 20 ounces canned pineapple chunks
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch to make the teriyaki sauce.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until browned and cooked through (7-10 minutes). Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add remaining oil and sauté chopped onion, bell pepper, and broccoli for about 4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return chicken to the skillet along with pineapple chunks and pour in the teriyaki sauce. Stir continuously until sauce thickens slightly (1-2 minutes).
- Serve over cooked rice or in lettuce wraps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for enhanced flavor. Customize vegetables based on preference. Marinate chicken in teriyaki sauce for added depth of flavor.