Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Tender chicken thighs are sautéed with red bell pepper and fresh pineapple, then coated in a sweet and savory sauce made with pineapple juice, soy, and hoisin. A vibrant and flavorful meal, perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper cut into cubes
- 1 cup fresh pineapple diced into cubes
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¾ cup pineapple juice
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup hoisin sauce
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water for cornstarch slurry
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
Incorporate the Vegetables and Pineapple
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the cubed red bell pepper and fresh pineapple to the skillet. Continue cooking for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender and the pineapple begins to caramelize.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chicken broth, and brown sugar until well combined.
Combine and Simmer
- Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the chicken mixture. Bring the contents to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for several minutes so the flavors meld.
Thicken the Sauce
- In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir to incorporate. Allow the sauce to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions. Serve immediately over rice or in a hollowed pineapple shell for a decorative presentation.
Notes
To adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet, substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure the hoisin sauce used is certified gluten-free. Also verify that your cornstarch, broth, and other condiments do not contain hidden gluten additives.