Pineapple Chicken Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
527 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Description
Pineapple Chicken Recipe combines cubed chicken thighs or breasts coated with cornstarch and lightly fried to a golden brown, giving a crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the richly flavored sauce. The sauce is made by simmering pineapple juice with ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, oyster sauce, and spices, then thickened with a cornstarch slurry. Adding bell peppers and pineapple chunks provides freshness and sweetness, contributing to the overall complexity.
The cooking method includes frying chicken in batches to maintain the crisp coating, then baking the combined chicken and sauce briefly to meld flavors and ensure even coating. The sauce’s balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes is enhanced by subtle heat from red pepper flakes. This balance creates a satisfying flavor profile that suits serving alongside steamed rice or noodles to soak up the sauce.
For alternative preparation, the cooked components can be combined and finished in a slow cooker, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken deeply over time. This flexibility allows for hands-off cooking while preserving the dish’s signature taste and texture. The pineapple chunks are added late in the slow cooker method to maintain their fresh texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 20 oz pineapple chunks juice and fruit divided, Dole brand
- 3 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste
- 3 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar
- 2 tsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes crushed
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken thigh cut into bite-sized 1 inch cubes, or boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water cold
- 1/2 red bell pepper de-seeded and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1/2 green bell pepper de-seeded and cut into 1 inch pieces
- green onion chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees, lightly spray a 9x13 inch glass pan, set aside.
- In a medium sauce pan placed over medium heat, combine the pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, oyster sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place the cubes of chicken into a bowl with the whisked eggs, toss the chicken (taking care to let the egg drip off it) into a large ziplock bag full of the cornstarch. Zip and shake until evenly coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large saucepan or dutch oven. Working in batches (2), add the chicken and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a paper towel lined plate, repeat with remaining oil and chicken.
- Add the fried chicken to the prepared 9x13 pan. Whisk the cornstarch into the sauce, then pour over the chicken, add the chopped bell pepper and stir to coat. Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes or so. At the 30 minute mark, add the pineapple chunks. Remove, garnish with green onion, if desired, serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken pieces should be coated evenly with cornstarch for optimal crispiness before frying.
- The sauce simmers for 15 minutes to develop depth of flavor and is thickened just before combining with the chicken.
- Using a slow cooker for finishing requires adding pineapple chunks in the last 30 minutes to retain texture.
- Oyster sauce and ketchup contribute to the savory-sweet balance and can be adjusted to taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 527 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 527kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 61g | 20% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 202mg | 67% |
| Sodium | 773mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 738mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 32g | 64% |
| Vitamin A | 755IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 44.8mg | 50% |
| Calcium | 52mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2.5mg | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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