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Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Pineapple Chicken Recipe

I have to tell you about this pineapple chicken recipe I made last weekend. It was my cousin’s birthday, and I wanted to whip up something that felt festive but wasn’t too complicated. A quick scroll through my cookbook, and I landed on this recipe.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chunks of chicken breast)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons grated garlic
  • 2 teaspoons grated ginger Optional but adds a kick!
  • 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple chunks or canned pineapples if fresh isn’t on hand
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar for sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes Optional for spice lovers!
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil for stir-frying
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water to thicken the sauce

Method
 

  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces if needed. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and ginger, then coat the chicken well with this mixture. Let it marinate for 15-30 minutes to soak up all the flavors—longer is even better!
  2. Cut fresh pineapple into small chunks or drain canned pineapple well. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and chili flakes. Add a cornstarch mixture to this and set it aside for cooking.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (without the excess marinade) and cook for about 5-6 minutes, turning regularly, until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  4. In the same pan, cook the pineapple chunks for 2-3 minutes until they caramelize slightly. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a simmer, stirring until it thickens. Toss the cooked chicken back into the pan and stir everything together. Let it cook for another 5 minutes to blend all the flavors. Enjoy your delicious pineapple chicken!

Notes

  • For Perfect Texture: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier bites.
  • Boost Flavors: Marinate the meat overnight if you have time.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Add brown sugar or reduce honey depending on how tangy or sweet you like it.
  • Go Crispy: Before adding the sauce, lightly coat chicken in cornstarch or flour for crispy bits.
  • Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or onions to make it a complete meal.