Easy Pineapple Chicken
A flavorful and easy-to-make pineapple chicken dish with a tangy sauce, perfect for weeknights and loved by those who enjoy sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring chicken broth to a boil and add chicken cubes. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add undrained pineapple chunks, sliced carrots, green and red peppers, vinegar, and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir cornstarch into soy sauce until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Easy Pineapple Chicken, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. If you prefer a spicier dish, add some crushed red pepper flakes. For a lighter version, you can substitute the sugar with honey or agave syrup. You can also use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant taste, or swap the chicken for tofu for a vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Easy Pineapple Chicken over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider preparing some egg rolls or spring rolls, which complement this dish perfectly. You can also browse more Chinese recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Heat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to a month; just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Pineapple Chicken contains roughly 315 calories, with 8g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1918mg per serving (83% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to fully thaw and cut it into cubes before cooking. Cooking time may vary slightly, so ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This method will help maintain the dish's quality and flavor.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth is a great substitute that will still provide depth of flavor. You can also use water, but consider adding a splash of soy sauce or seasoning to enhance the taste. For a richer flavor, homemade broth would be ideal if available.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Easy Pineapple Chicken with other vegetables like snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, so all the vegetables are tender yet crisp. This flexibility allows you to enjoy a variety of flavors in your meal.
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).