Chicken Pineapple Piquant

Chicken Pineapple Piquant Recipe with Rice Pilaf Casserole

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Pineapple Piquant is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory flavors of chicken and bell peppers. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

The origins of Chicken Pineapple Piquant are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. The combination of chicken, pineapple, and bell peppers is a popular flavor profile in many Asian and Hawaiian cuisines.

Ingredients

1 large onion, sliced and separated into rings
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 to 2.5 cups cooked chicken cubes
0.25 tsp seasoned salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup catsup
1 x 20 oz (567 g) can pineapple chunks in juice (drained; juice reserved)
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 large green bell pepper, cut into 0.75 inch squares
3 to 4 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

In a large skillet, cook the onion in oil until tender crisp.
Add the chicken, salt, and ground black pepper.
In a separate bowl, blend the catsup and pineapple juice with enough water to make 2.5 cups of liquid. Pour the mixture over the chicken and simmer for 5 minutes.
Dissolve the cornstarch in soy sauce and stir it into the chicken mixture.
Add the green pepper and pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve the dish over hot rice.

Variations

Add diced carrots or snow peas for extra vegetables.
Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein option.
Add a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onions until they are tender crisp to add a nice texture to the dish.

- Season the chicken with salt and pepper before adding it to the skillet for extra flavor.

- Make sure to dissolve the cornstarch in soy sauce before adding it to the chicken mixture to prevent lumps from forming.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Pineapple Piquant over hot cooked rice for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the onions until they are tender crisp to add a nice texture to the dish.

- Season the chicken with salt and pepper before adding it to the skillet for extra flavor.

- Make sure to dissolve the cornstarch in soy sauce before adding it to the chicken mixture to prevent lumps from forming.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned pineapple chunks instead of fresh pineapple.

- Substitute chicken broth for the pineapple juice if needed.

- Use red or yellow bell peppers instead of green for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Pineapple Piquant in a large serving bowl over a bed of hot cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Pineapple Piquant with a side of steamed broccoli or a green salad for a complete meal. Serve with a glass of white wine or a tropical fruit juice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Pineapple Piquant contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Pineapple Piquant contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Pineapple Piquant contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Pineapple Piquant contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Pineapple Piquant is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Chicken Pineapple Piquant is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Pineapple Piquant is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, this dish is a balanced meal that the whole family will love. Serve over hot cooked rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chicken Pineapple Piquant. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a remarkable woman, full of knowledge and wisdom, and she had a knack for creating delicious dishes that would leave everyone wanting more.

One day, as I sat in her cozy kitchen watching her prepare a meal, she pulled out a faded recipe card from her collection. It was for Chicken Pineapple Piquant, a dish that sounded exotic and intriguing to my young ears. I watched with fascination as she gathered the ingredients and began to work her magic in the kitchen.

As she chopped the fresh vegetables and marinated the chicken in a tangy sauce, she told me the story of how she had come to learn this recipe. It was many years ago, when she was just a young bride, eager to impress her new husband with her cooking skills. She had attended a cooking class at the local community center, where a guest chef had shared this recipe with the class.

The chef had explained that the dish was a fusion of flavors, combining the sweetness of pineapple with the heat of peppers and the tang of vinegar. It was a dish that would tantalize the taste buds and leave a lasting impression on anyone who tried it. My grandmother had taken notes diligently during the class, determined to recreate the dish at home for her husband.

And recreate it she did. As I watched her expertly sauté the chicken and vegetables, adding the perfect amount of spices and seasonings, I could see the passion and love she poured into her cooking. She explained to me the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and taking the time to allow the flavors to develop and meld together.

As the dish simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its mouthwatering aroma, my grandmother shared with me the joy she felt when her husband took his first bite and declared it the best meal he had ever tasted. From that moment on, Chicken Pineapple Piquant became a staple in their household, a dish that brought them together and created lasting memories.

I watched in awe as my grandmother plated the dish, garnishing it with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma made my mouth water in anticipation. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavor and texture unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

From that day on, Chicken Pineapple Piquant became a favorite in our family as well. My grandmother passed down the recipe to me, along with the knowledge and skills she had acquired over the years. I have since made the dish countless times, each time with a sense of pride and gratitude for the woman who had taught me so much.

As I sit here now, with the recipe card in front of me and the familiar ingredients laid out on the counter, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The sense of wonder I felt that day in my grandmother's kitchen still lingers, as I continue to create and share this delicious dish with my own loved ones.

And so, as I take my first bite of Chicken Pineapple Piquant once again, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to fill our hearts and bellies with joy. And for that, I am forever grateful to my grandmother and the magical recipe that brought us all closer together.