Pineapple Chicken Curry
A vibrant pineapple chicken curry combining tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and aromatic spices, perfect for a flavorful, family-friendly meal with a hint of tropical sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bone and slice the chicken breasts.
- Melt margarine in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken strips; sprinkle with salt and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes.
- Add chopped onion, sliced green pepper, chopped cashews, curry, and nutmeg.
- Cook for 2 minutes longer, stirring constantly.
- Add drained pineapple chunks with 1/2 cup of syrup, water, and chicken bouillon cube. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 4 minutes.
- Blend cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the skillet.
- Cook, stirring rapidly until thickened.
- Serve with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the curry and nutmeg for an hour before cooking. If you don't have cashews, almonds or peanuts can be a good substitute. Adjust the level of spiciness by adding red pepper flakes if you like heat. For a unique twist, serve the curry over Curried Coconut Rice for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Pineapple Chicken Curry pairs beautifully with rice or naan, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce. Consider serving it alongside a fresh cucumber salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving to enhance the dish's visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the curry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Chicken Curry contains roughly 445 calories, with 20g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1746mg per serving (76% 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 canned chicken instead of fresh chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use canned chicken for a quicker option. Just drain and rinse the chicken before adding it to the skillet. Reduce the cooking time to about 2 minutes to heat through, as canned chicken is already cooked.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon and follow the same cooking instructions to maintain the flavors of the curry.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper when cooking. You can also serve the curry with a side of spicy chutney or hot sauce to allow guests to adjust the heat to their preference.
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).