Pineapple Chicken

Pineapple Chicken Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pineapple chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory taste of chicken. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

The origins of pineapple chicken can be traced back to Asian cuisine, where the combination of sweet and savory flavors is a common theme. This dish has since become popular in many different cultures and is enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

4 to 6 chicken breast halves, deboned and skinless
0.33 cup flour
0.5 tbsp salt
0.13 tbsp pepper
0.13 tbsp paprika
6 tbsp oil, divided
1 minced garlic clove
0.25 cup chopped onion
0.33 cup chopped green or red bell pepper
0.5 tbsp dry mustard
0.75 tbsp soy sauce
1.5 cups pineapple juice

How to prepare

Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks.
Roll the chicken in flour that has been seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sauté the chicken in 5 tbsp of oil until lightly browned.
Place the chicken in a greased casserole dish that has a capacity of 2 qt (1.89 liters).
Add 1 tbsp of oil to the pan and sauté the garlic, onion, and green pepper for 5 minutes.
Add the mustard, soy sauce, chili sauce, and pineapple juice to the pan.
Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and bake it, covered, in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 45 minutes.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch.
Use pineapple chunks instead of pineapple juice for a more intense flavor.
Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a richer taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks for even cooking.

- Season the flour with salt, pepper, and paprika for added flavor.

- Sauté the chicken in oil until lightly browned to seal in the juices.

- Be sure to simmer the sauce for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Pineapple chicken can be served over rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs well with steamed vegetables or a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing

- Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts.

- Pineapple chunks can be used instead of pineapple juice.

Make Ahead Tips

The chicken can be marinated in the sauce overnight for a more intense flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color. - Serve in a pineapple boat for a fun and festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

- Pair with a glass of white wine or a tropical fruit cocktail.

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 stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320 per serving

Carbohydrates

23g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 15g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 45% of the recommended daily intake per serving

- Iron: 10% of the recommended daily intake per serving

Alergens

Soy

Summary

Pineapple chicken is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamin C. It is a great source of energy and is perfect for a balanced meal.

Summary

Pineapple chicken is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Pineapple Chicken. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria, who had just returned from a trip to Hawaii. She was raving about the delicious Pineapple Chicken she had tried there and insisted on making it for me.

As Maria busily chopped up fresh pineapple and marinated the chicken in a sweet and tangy sauce, I watched in awe. The smells wafting from her kitchen were intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When the Pineapple Chicken was finally ready, I took my first bite and was instantly transported to a tropical paradise. The combination of juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and flavorful sauce was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I begged Maria to share the recipe with me, and she happily obliged. She explained that she had learned how to make Pineapple Chicken from a local chef in Hawaii, who had passed down the recipe through generations.

After that day, Pineapple Chicken became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and just for myself on quiet weekends. Every time I cooked it, the sweet memories of that summer day with Maria would come flooding back.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and additions to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I have shared the recipe with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have asked for it after tasting my Pineapple Chicken at a potluck.

One day, while at the local farmer's market, I struck up a conversation with a woman who was selling fresh pineapples. She mentioned that she had a family recipe for Pineapple Chicken that had been passed down for generations. Intrigued, I asked her to share it with me.

As she rattled off the ingredients and instructions, I realized that her recipe was quite different from the one I had learned from Maria. Her version included a secret blend of spices and a unique cooking method that I had never heard of before.

Excited to try something new, I went home and immediately got to work making the Pineapple Chicken using the new recipe. The aroma that filled my kitchen was different from what I was used to, but equally as enticing.

When I took my first bite of the dish, I was blown away by the depth of flavors and the complexity of the spices. It was unlike any Pineapple Chicken I had ever had before, and I knew that this recipe would become a new favorite in my collection.

As I continued to experiment with different versions of Pineapple Chicken, I realized that each recipe had its own unique charm and character. Some were sweeter, while others were spicier. Some were cooked on the stove, while others were grilled outdoors.

No matter which recipe I chose to make on any given day, one thing remained constant - the joy and satisfaction I felt from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. Cooking has always been a way for me to show my love and appreciation for those around me, and Pineapple Chicken has been a constant reminder of that.

So, as I sit here in my kitchen, preparing a batch of Pineapple Chicken for dinner tonight, I can't help but feel grateful for all the wonderful recipes and memories that have come into my life. Cooking has truly been a gift, and I will continue to cherish it for as long as I am able.