Island-Style Pineapple Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Island-Style Pineapple Chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that transport your taste buds straight to a tropical paradise. This easy-to-make dish combines juicy chicken with fresh pineapple chunks in a flavorful sauce, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients for Island-Style Pineapple Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the star of the show, offering a juicy and tender texture that absorbs flavors well. Fresh pineapple chunks add a natural sweetness and tang that complement the savory elements. The soy sauce brings umami depth, while brown sugar balances it with a hint of sweetness. Rice vinegar adds a mild acidity that cuts through the richness. Ginger and garlic provide aromatic warmth. Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to the chicken. Finally, green onions and sesame seeds offer a fresh, crunchy finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours if you have the time.
  • Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  • For an added kick, throw in a pinch of chili flakes when cooking the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas complements the flavors and adds a healthy crunch. For a more tropical experience, serve alongside a fresh mango salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to drain it well to avoid excess liquid in the dish.
Can I substitute chicken breasts for thighs?
Absolutely, but keep in mind that breasts may cook faster and be slightly less juicy.

Island-Style Pineapple Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they're well coated in the marinade. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate.

When you're ready to cook, heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs. Cook them until they're browned on all sides, which should take about 10 minutes. You'll want to turn them occasionally to get an even color.

Next, add the pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir them in gently and let them cook with the chicken for another 5 minutes. This will help the pineapple caramelize slightly and meld with the chicken.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. This should only take a couple of minutes. Once thickened, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finally, sprinkle the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. These add a nice pop of color and a bit of crunch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Uses fresh ingredients for a burst of natural flavor.
  • A delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.
  • Perfectly customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
3. Add pineapple chunks to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water. Pour into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

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