General Tso's Pineapple Chicken

Name: General Tso's Pineapple Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, chopped; 1 cup pineapple chunks; 1/2 cup pineapple juice; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, grated; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tbsp sesame seeds

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 20 min

🍽 Serves: 4

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If you're looking to add a tropical twist to your usual takeout-inspired meal, General Tso's Pineapple Chicken might just be your new favorite. This recipe combines sweet pineapple with savory, crispy chicken, all coated in a deliciously sticky sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

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Ingredients for General Tso's Pineapple Chicken

Boneless chicken thighs are used for their juicy texture and rich flavor, perfect for frying. Pineapple chunks add a fresh, sweet note that complements the savory ingredients. Pineapple juice is the star of the sauce, enhancing the tropical vibe. Soy sauce brings saltiness and depth, while hoisin sauce adds a hint of sweetness and complexity. Rice vinegar provides a tangy punch, balancing the flavors. Brown sugar sweetens and thickens the sauce. Garlic and ginger introduce aromatic warmth and zest. The combination of cornstarch and all-purpose flour creates a crispy coating for the chicken. Green onions and sesame seeds offer a fresh, crunchy garnish.

Tips & Tricks

For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili paste to the sauce mixture.
Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to achieve maximum crispiness.
Use fresh pineapple if available; it adds a more vibrant flavor than canned.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a more colorful plate, serve alongside a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?: Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they might be a bit drier compared to thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce?: If you don't have hoisin sauce, you can use a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of brown sugar as a substitute.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?: It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Fry the chicken just before serving for the best texture.

General Tso's Pineapple Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

First, you'll want to create the sauce. In a medium bowl, mix together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. This will be the flavorful backbone of your dish.

Next, prepare the chicken. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in this mixture. Make sure each piece is well covered; this will ensure a nice, crispy texture once fried.

Heat up your skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Fry them until they are golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 7-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, pour in the prepared sauce mixture along with the pineapple chunks. Bring this to a simmer, allowing it to reduce slightly. This should only take a few minutes, and you'll notice the sauce starting to thicken.

Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently to ensure each piece is well-coated in the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the sauce clings nicely to the chicken.

Once everything is beautifully glazed and aromatic, it's time to garnish. Sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Crispy chicken coated in a luscious, tangy sauce.
Quick and straightforward to prepare, ideal for weeknights.
Uses common pantry staples with a tropical twist.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken thighs, chopped

1 cup pineapple chunks

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tbsp hoisin sauce

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp ginger, grated

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 green onions, sliced

1 tbsp sesame seeds

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to create the sauce.

2. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces in this dry mixture.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove from skillet.

4. In the same skillet, add the sauce mixture and pineapple chunks. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly.

5. Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

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