Golden Pineapple Chicken: A Sweet & Savory Sensation 🍍🍗✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of pineapple with the rich, savory flavors of chicken, then Golden Pineapple Chicken is your ultimate choice. This brown sugar pineapple chicken recipe combines tender chicken pieces with juicy pineapple chunks, adorned with a glaze that’s both sweet and tangy. It’s an easy-to-make meal that is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at your next gathering.
Learn how to create this sweet pineapple chicken masterpiece with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Plus, discover tips for serving and storing leftovers, making this dish a delightful addition to your recipe collection.
2. Ingredients for Golden Pineapple Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ÂĽ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions and sesame seeds
3. How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken – Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken and Pineapple
Start by cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and brown sugar to create a flavorful marinade. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to enhance the savory taste.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes.
Adding Pineapple and Simmering
Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring to a simmer. Thicken the sauce with the cornstarch-water mixture, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Final Touches
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve your golden pineapple chicken hot over steamed white rice or jasmine rice for a complete meal.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Golden Pineapple Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or rewarm in a skillet over low heat to maintain the dish’s flavors and texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
5. Serving Suggestions for Sweet Pineapple Chicken
This savory pineapple chicken pairs beautifully with a side of steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables. Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a dash of sesame seeds to elevate the presentation. For an extra crunch, consider serving alongside high-protein flatbread.
6. FAQs about Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Can I substitute fresh pineapple with canned?
Yes, canned pineapple works well and is convenient. Just make sure to drain excess syrup to prevent the dish from becoming too sweet or watery.
Is this dish suitable for keto or low-carb diets?
While this dish is delicious, it does contain brown sugar and pineapple, which are high in carbs. For a low-carb version, consider reducing the brown sugar or using a sugar substitute and substituting pineapple with zucchini or bell peppers.
Cook time for Golden Pineapple Chicken?
The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick, yet flavorful dinner.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
Enhance your cooking experience with these essential kitchen tools:
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Keep beverages cold or warm while preparing your meal, perfect for making refreshing drinks to serve alongside your pineapple chicken.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Easily chop garlic and ginger for the marinade without mess and fuss.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – For a slow-cooked, tender version of this dish or meal prep on busy days.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Provides nonstick versatility for cooking your chicken and sauce with ease and less cleanup.
8. Related Recipes to Try
- Golden Oven-Crisped Chicken Strips
- Sweet & Savory Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
- Dynamite Chicken Slider Bites
9. Conclusion
Golden Pineapple Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines the natural sweetness of pineapple with savory chicken in a delightful sauce. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and versatile enough to serve at any occasion. Whether you’re searching for a family-friendly dinner or a dish to impress guests, this sweet and savory chicken recipe will surely become a new favorite. Give it a try today and enjoy a burst of tropical flavor in every bite!
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Golden Pineapple Chicken: A Sweet & Savory Sensation
Golden Pineapple Chicken is a delicious blend of tender chicken and juicy pineapple chunks in a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors with golden caramelized chicken and tropical pineapple. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s an ideal choice for those craving a satisfying and colorful meal.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ÂĽ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions and sesame seeds
Instructions
- Start by cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and brown sugar to create a flavorful marinade. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer. Thicken the sauce with the cornstarch-water mixture, stirring until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over steamed white or jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Drain canned pineapple well to prevent excess liquid in the dish.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier results.
- This dish can be customized with added vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the thickening agent is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Flexible: adjust for gluten-free or low-sugar options
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg