If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, blending juicy pineapple sweetness with tender, savory chicken, this Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. It’s an incredible mix of succulent chicken thighs, vibrant bell peppers, and a perfectly balanced sauce that brings everything together. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe promises a comforting yet exciting meal that feels both fresh and familiar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward yet essential, each playing a key role in delivering the mouthwatering flavors and satisfying textures that characterize this dish. From juicy pineapple chunks that add sweetness and brightness to the perfectly seasoned chicken, these components come together beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: tender and juicy, perfect for absorbing all those delightful flavors.
- Shaoxing wine: a subtle note of depth that elevates the chicken’s taste.
- Kosher salt and ground white pepper: to season the chicken just right without overpowering.
- Cornstarch: creates a light, crispy coating on the chicken once cooked.
- Pineapple chunks and juice: the star ingredient, providing both sweetness and acidity.
- Yellow bell pepper and white onion: vibrant, crunchy veggies adding texture and color.
- Vegetable oil: for frying and achieving that beautiful golden sear.
- Fresh ginger, garlic, and jalapeño pepper: a trio that infuses the dish with warmth, spice, and aromatic layers.
- Soy sauce and hoisin sauce: for the umami punch and subtle sweetness in the sauce.
- Dark brown sugar: adds richness and helps balance the savory elements.
How to Make Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate and Coat the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks—they cook quickly and absorb marinades wonderfully. Toss them with Shaoxing wine, kosher salt, and white pepper to infuse flavor. The cornstarch not only helps the chicken develop a crispy outer layer but also thickens the sauce later on, making it wonderfully glossy and full-bodied.
Step 2: Prep the Fruits and Vegetables
Next, reserve some of the pineapple juice to pack extra sweetness and tanginess into your sauce. Pat the pineapple chunks dry until just slightly moist to get a nice sear without steaming. Dice the yellow bell pepper and onion—they add a welcomed crunch and vibrant pop of color to the dish.
Step 3: Make the Flavorful Sauce Base
In the same bowl, combine minced fresh ginger, garlic, and jalapeño to create a fresh, aromatic punch. Stir in the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and dark brown sugar—a blend that balances spicy, sweet, and savory notes all in one. This sauce will transform the dish from simple to sensational.
Step 4: Brown the Pineapple
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil until shimmering, then add the pineapple chunks. Cooking them until they develop a golden-brown caramelized exterior amplifies their sweetness and adds a hint of smokiness, creating layers of flavor that the Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Recipe is known for. Once browned, transfer the pineapple to a plate to join the chicken later.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan and fry the chicken chunks in batches to avoid overcrowding. This step is crucial for getting that enviable golden-brown crust that locks in juices and texture. The chicken should sizzle and develop a nice sear, sealing in all that marinade goodness.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer Everything Together
Now, toss in the onion and bell pepper, cooking until the onion softens and the veggies release their fragrant aroma. Return the chicken and pineapple to the pan, pour in the sauce mixture, and scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Lower the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer gently. This final step thickens the sauce and allows the flavors to meld perfectly, yielding the ultimate Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Recipe experience.
How to Serve Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish beautifully. Consider sprinkling chopped green onions or cilantro on top for a burst of fresh, herbal flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich sauce. A few sesame seeds add a subtle nutty crunch and an attractive finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice, which soak up the flavorful sauce perfectly. For a healthier twist, serve it alongside steamed broccoli or snap peas to add a bit of green crunch and balance to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, tropical vibe, serve the chicken directly in hollowed-out pineapple halves. Not only does it make for a stunning presentation, but the subtle aroma of pineapple enhances the dish’s sweetness. Another idea is to layer the chicken and rice as a colorful bowl topped with avocado slices and toasted cashews for an extra dose of texture and creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Recipe will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep the dish longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm the chicken evenly without drying it out. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between. Adding a teaspoon or two of water or broth can help revive the sauce’s luscious consistency during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine but may be less juicy and tender. To keep them moist, avoid overcooking and consider marinating a little longer.
Is this recipe spicy?
The jalapeño adds a mild kick, but you can adjust it to your liking by reducing or removing the pepper if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I substitute fresh pineapple with canned pineapple?
Yes! The recipe actually calls for canned pineapple chunks in juice. Just be sure to reserve some of the juice for the sauce as described.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure the hoisin sauce is gluten-free or substitute with a similar gluten-free sauce.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To lighten it up, use less oil for cooking and serve over cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of white rice. Adding extra veggies also boosts nutrition and fiber.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Recipe is truly one of those dishes that bring joy with every bite. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for any day of the week. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll likely find it becoming a beloved go-to in your kitchen for its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory all in one amazing meal.
Print
Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken is a flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated and coated with cornstarch, sautéed pineapple chunks, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory-sweet sauce made with soy, hoisin, and pineapple juice. This quick and easy stovetop recipe delivers a perfect balance of tangy sweetness and umami richness, ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 5), cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Produce
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper, minced
Sauce & Oils
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch chunks and place them in a large bowl. Add Shaoxing wine, kosher salt, and ground white pepper to the chicken and toss to combine evenly. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and toss again until all pieces are well coated.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Pineapple: Reserve 1/2 cup of the pineapple juice from the can, then drain the remaining juice and pat the pineapple chunks dry with paper towels. Dice the yellow bell pepper and white onion into medium pieces suitable for stir-frying.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the minced ginger, garlic, and jalapeño pepper. Add the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and dark brown sugar. Stir to blend all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cook the Pineapple: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pineapple chunks and cook, tossing occasionally, until they are browned on all sides, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the pineapple and set aside on a plate.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pan and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches if necessary, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned chicken to the plate with the pineapple.
- Sauté the Vegetables and Combine: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pan and cook until fragrant and the onion starts to soften, roughly 4 minutes. Return the chicken and pineapple along with their juices to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce mixture and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan bottom.
- Simmer the Dish: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to blend flavors and prevent sticking.
- Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is tender, remove from heat and serve hot, ideally with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Shrimp or tofu can be substituted for chicken for a different protein option.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content in the dish.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more jalapeño or use a hotter chili pepper.
- Make sure to pat the pineapple dry to avoid the chicken scorching due to excess moisture.
- Shaoxing wine can be substituted with dry sherry or a light cooking wine if unavailable.
