- Sweet and savory balance with caramelized pineapple and savory chicken creates vibrant, comforting flavors.
- Quick, healthy weeknight meal using lean chicken, fresh pineapple, ginger, garlic, and light soy sauce.
- Prep ahead: cube chicken, core pineapple, whisk sauce, and cook rice for faster assembly.
- Cook tips: use high heat, avoid crowding pan, add pineapple at the end, garnish with sesame and green onions.
I still remember the first time I tasted a proper chicken pineapple recipe at a beachside shack in Maui. The way the caramelized fruit juices melded with the savory poultry was a total revelation. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a vibrant, healthy comfort food option that brings sunshine to a rainy Tuesday. This chicken pineapple recipe fits perfectly into your weekly rotation because it is fast, flavorful, and surprisingly nutritious. It strikes that elusive balance between sweet and salty that keeps everyone at the table reaching for seconds.
Table of contents
The Flavor Components
- Chicken Breast: 0.75 kg (boneless and skinless)
- Chicken is one of the best lean protein sources for a balanced lifestyle.
- Fresh Pineapple Chunks: 2.5 cups
- Red Bell Pepper: 1.0 (large, chopped)
- Soy Sauce: 0.25 cups (low sodium)
- Honey: 2.0 tablespoons
- Fresh Ginger: 1.0 tablespoon (grated)
- Garlic Cloves: 3.0 (minced)
- Sesame Oil: 1.0 tablespoon
- Cornstarch: 1.5 teaspoons
Chicken Pineapple Recipe Card
Chicken Pineapple Recipe
4
servings15
minutes15
minutes320
kcalThis chicken pineapple recipe combines juicy chicken with caramelized fruit for a fast, 30-minute meal that tastes like the tropics.
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Ingredients
0.75 kg (boneless and skinless) Chicken Breast
2.5 cups Fresh Pineapple Chunks
1.0 (large, chopped) Red Bell Pepper
0.25 cups (low sodium) Soy Sauce
2.0 tablespoons Honey
1.0 tablespoon (grated) Fresh Ginger
Garlic Cloves: 3.0 (minced) Garlic Cloves
1.0 tablespoon Sesame Oil
1.5 teaspoons Cornstarch
Directions
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken pieces for about 5.0 to 7.0 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add the pineapple and peppers to the pan, stirring frequently for 3.0 minutes.
- Whisk the sauce ingredients including soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and fruit, stirring constantly.
- Simmer the mixture for 2.0 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats everything beautifully.
Notes
- Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes if you like heat.
- Pineapple Juice: If using canned, save 2.0 tablespoons of the juice to add to the sauce.
- Vegetable swap: Snap peas or broccoli work wonderfully in this dish as well.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Protein: 32g
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Your Kitchen Game Plan
To make this chicken pineapple recipe a breeze, a little foresight is essential. Prep these items ahead of time:
- Cube the chicken: Slice your chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch pieces.
- Core the fruit: If using fresh pineapple, slice it into chunks and store in its own juice.
- Whisk the sauce: Combine your soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in a jar.
- Rice prep: Cook a batch of jasmine rice or quinoa to serve as the perfect base.
What’s on the Side?
A great chicken pineapple recipe needs the right companions. I highly recommend serving this over a bed of fluffy coconut rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist, or with a corn salad on the side.
Pro Tips for Success:
- Don’t crowd the pan: Give the chicken space to brown properly.
- High heat is key: You want the pineapple to caramelize, not just warm through.
- Fresh vs. Canned: Fresh pineapple contains bromelain, which naturally tenderizes meat.
- Add some crunch: Top with toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions right before serving.
Solving Your Kitchen Curiosities
Yes. Thighs stay juicier and are harder to overcook.
Add the pineapple at the very end. Only cook it long enough to get a sear.
Yes. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain. It breaks down proteins.
It stays fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight.
Wrapping Up the Tropical Vibes
This chicken pineapple recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create complex flavors. It is a time-saver that doesn’t sacrifice quality. I truly hope this becomes a staple in your home like it has in mine. If you are looking for more fruit-forward savory dishes, stay try my Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken coming. Give this a try and let me know how it turned out!
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