Chinese Pineapple Chicken
A vibrant Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory sauce, perfect for a flavorful family dinner or casual gathering with bold, sweet, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown chicken breasts in vegetable oil and season with salt.
- Add pressed garlic, chopped onion, and ground ginger; sauté until fragrant.
- Drain pineapple slices and set aside the juice.
- Mix 1/4 cup pineapple juice with cornstarch to create a slurry.
- Combine remaining pineapple juice with chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, and cinnamon.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the browned chicken.
- Simmer covered for 30 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Add the pineapple slices to the dish and cook briefly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before cooking. If fresh pineapple is available, use it instead of canned for a fresher taste. For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer before adding the cornstarch slurry. You can also substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result, similar to other chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pineapple Chicken over steamed rice or alongside fried rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad. For an Asian-inspired dinner, consider serving it with Stir-Fried Shrimp With Vegetables or alongside Chicken In Oriental Dipping Sauce for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pineapple Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, microwave on medium heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Pineapple Chicken contains roughly 616 calories, with 26g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2995mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when cooked.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. For a lower sodium alternative, consider using a reduced-sodium soy sauce or mixing soy sauce with a bit of water to decrease the saltiness while maintaining flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat to your Pineapple Chicken, incorporate red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a splash of chili sauce into the sauce mixture. Adjust the amount to your spice preference. This can elevate the flavor profile and complement the sweetness of the pineapple.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).