Print

Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken

Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken
Print Recipe

Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken is a quick and easy dish that blends tangy sweetness from fresh pineapple with rich, savory chicken and aromatic spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and vibrant colors, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 scallions, chopped, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Cooking Oil

  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop the garlic, ginger, and green bell peppers. Drain the pineapple chunks to avoid excess liquid, then set everything aside ready for cooking.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and nearly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the garlic, ginger, and green bell peppers. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  4. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Mix soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and rice vinegar in a bowl. Pour this over the sautéed veggies, stirring well to combine and letting the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes.
  5. Add Pineapple and Chicken Back: Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the pineapple chunks. Stir everything together, allowing the pineapple’s sweetness and juices to mingle with the sauce and chicken, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until heated through and well coated.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped scallions and fresh cilantro, then serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple for better texture and flavor; if using canned, choose chunks in juice, not syrup.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook chicken in batches to ensure proper browning.
  • Adjust honey or vinegar to balance sweetness and tanginess to your preference.
  • Marinate chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 15–30 minutes before cooking to deepen flavor.
  • Serve immediately to keep pineapple juicy and chicken tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, quick dinner, weeknight meal, gluten free, family friendly, easy recipe

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/sweet-and-savory-pineapple-chicken/