Description
Succulent Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken brings tropical paradise to dinner tables with its sweet and tangy fusion of flavors. Juicy chicken pieces mingle with caramelized pineapple, creating a quick and irresistible meal that transports taste buds to island shores.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) pineapple juice
- 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce
- 0.33 cup (80 grams) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare chicken pieces by generously seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for optimal browning.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior through consistent turning, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate, reserving the flavorful skillet for sauce preparation.
- Pour pineapple juice into the same skillet, combining with soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a vibrant, aromatic sauce.
- Bring the liquid mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar and blend complex flavors.
- Reintroduce browned chicken pieces into the simmering sauce, along with sweet pineapple chunks.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, allowing chicken to absorb the tangy sauce and continue cooking for approximately 10 minutes.
- Prepare cornstarch mixture and gradually incorporate into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until sauce transforms into a glossy, thick coating that clings perfectly to the chicken.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice, creating a complete and satisfying Hawaiian-inspired meal.
Notes
- Marinate chicken beforehand in pineapple juice for deeper flavor infusion and tenderizing effect.
- Use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned for brighter, more vibrant taste and natural sweetness.
- Adjust sauce consistency by adding more cornstarch slurry if you prefer thicker gravy or extra liquid for more sauce.
- Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the tropical flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 358
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 883mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 115mg