Pineapple Chicken
Sharing one of my favorite meal prep and dinner recipes for this Spring weather! I love the combination of sweet, savory, and tangy. I enjoy serving it over rice and feel that the flavors get even better the next day. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful dish! Cheers!
Ingredients:
-1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
-1 red bell pepper, large diced
-1 red onion, large diced
-1 cup pineapple chunks
-1/2 cup pineapple juice
-1/3 cup soy sauce
-2 tbs brown sugar
-2 tbs honey
-1 tbs tomato paste
-1 tbs minced garlic
-1 tbs minced ginger
-1 tsp onion powder
-1 tsp garlic powder
-1 tsp paprika
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp black pepper
-cornstarch slurry (1 tbs cornstarch + 2 tbs water)
-green onion for garnish
-olive or avocado oil for cooking
Instructions:
-prepare onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger; set aside
-in a small bowl add pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey; mix well and set sauce aside for later
-cut chicken into 1” chunks and add into a bowl; drizzle with oil and season with salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder, and smoked paprika
-air fry the chicken at 400F for 16-20 minutes until fully cooked and internal temperature is 165F
-alternatively, you can pan sear and cook the chicken on the stove top using the pan in the next step
-set a large pan or wok on high heat and add 2 tbs oil
-if pan searing the chicken, cook the chicken and set aside
-use the same pan to sauté the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger until caramelized
-add tomato paste and cook down until it darkens in color
-add in pineapple chunks and mix well; cook for 1 minute
-add in cooked chicken, sauce, and cornstarch slurry; lower the heat to low and mix well until sauce thickens
-remove from heat and garnish with green onion
-enjoy!
One of the biggest reasons I adore this Pineapple Chicken isn't just the incredible sweet and savory flavor, but how perfectly it fits into my meal prep routine! As someone always looking for healthy, delicious, and easy-to-reheat options, this recipe is a game-changer. After cooling completely, I like to portion it out into airtight containers along with some fluffy jasmine rice or even quinoa. It stays fantastic in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For a quick lunch, just pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, and you've got a chef-quality meal ready to go. It truly tastes even better on day two as the flavors have more time to meld together! Getting that perfectly cooked, juicy chicken is key. While the recipe suggests air frying at 400F for 16-20 minutes, keep an eye on your specific air fryer model, as times can vary. I always recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165F internal temperature – it prevents dry chicken and keeps it safe to eat. If you're pan-searing, don't overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches to get a nice golden-brown sear, which adds another layer of flavor to this already savory dish. When it comes to the pineapple, using fresh chunks can really elevate this dish, but canned works wonderfully too, especially for convenience. If you opt for fresh, make sure it's ripe – it should smell sweet at the bottom and yield slightly when squeezed. The natural sweetness of the pineapple combined with the tanginess of its juice is what makes this sauce so irresistible. For an extra kick, sometimes I'll add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat that balances the sweetness beautifully. Beyond just serving it with rice, I've experimented with other sides too! This Pineapple Chicken is fantastic over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option, or even wrapped in lettuce cups for a lighter, refreshing meal. You could also toss it with some stir-fried noodles. Don't be afraid to customize the veggies either. While red bell pepper and onion are classic, I've added broccoli florets or snap peas during the sautéing stage for extra crunch and nutrition. For a thicker sauce, ensure your cornstarch slurry is well-mixed and truly let it thicken on low heat – patience is key here for that perfect glaze. And don't forget that fresh green onion garnish; it adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh, mild oniony bite that cuts through the richness. Enjoy creating your own version of this amazing dish! I hope these extra tips help you make this Pineapple Chicken a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. It's truly a recipe that combines ease, health, and incredible flavor. Happy cooking, and don't forget to share your creations!
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