Orange And Pineapple Chicken
A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken strips stir-fried with sweet orange and pineapple chunks, complemented by a tangy Miracle Whip dressing and aromatic green peppers. Perfect for a quick, tropical-inspired meal that appeals to families and those craving a blend of citrusy and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken strips and cook, stirring for 3 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Stir in Miracle Whip dressing, orange juice, and brown sugar.
- Add rice and green pepper strips. Bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in drained mandarin orange segments and pineapple chunks.
- Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier option, consider using Greek yogurt instead of Miracle Whip for a tangy flavor. If you want a bit more heat, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Feel free to substitute the green pepper with any color or even snap peas for added crunch. Cook the rice separately for more control over texture or use brown rice for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal. Pair it with steamed vegetables for a colorful plate, or a light salad to balance the sweetness of the dish. This Orange and Pineapple Chicken pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or orange juice to prevent the rice from drying out. Microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring gently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange And Pineapple Chicken contains roughly 507 calories, with 10g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1287mg per serving (56% 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 fresh fruit instead of canned for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple and fresh mandarin segments can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Just ensure that the fresh fruit is ripe for the best taste. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if you're using fresh ingredients to ensure everything is heated through properly.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Orange and Pineapple Chicken is great for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in individual portions. Just be sure to store the rice and sauce separately if you want to maintain the best texture. Reheat as needed for a quick and delicious meal throughout the week.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply place the chicken, dressing, orange juice, and brown sugar in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the rice and vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they don't become too soft.
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).