Description
This Pineapple Chicken recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a tangy pineapple sauce infused with ginger, soy, and a hint of spice. Perfectly caramelized and garnished with fresh green onions, it’s a quick skillet dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
Garnish
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season the chicken: While the oil heats, season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken: Take the cooked chicken out of the skillet and set aside on a plate to keep warm.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, infusing the pan.
- Make the sauce: Add pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir thoroughly to dissolve the sugar.
- Simmer sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Add pineapple chunks: Stir in the pineapple chunks gently to combine with the sauce without breaking them apart.
- Return chicken to skillet: Place the chicken back in the skillet, spooning sauce over the pieces to coat them well.
- Simmer chicken in sauce: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, transfer the chicken to a serving plate, pour the sauce and pineapple chunks over the top, and sprinkle chopped green onions for garnish.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately with your chosen side dish and enjoy this flavor-packed pineapple chicken.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer an extra few minutes or add a cornstarch slurry.
