Pineapple Chicken In Patty Shells
Sweet and savory pineapple chicken served in crispy patty shells, featuring tender chicken, caramelized pineapple, and toasted almonds—perfect for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 package Pepperidge Farm patty shells
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple with juice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed ⓘ
- 1 package frozen pea pods ⓘ
- 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the patty shells according to package directions and set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped onion in butter until translucent.
- Add orange juice, brown sugar, crushed pineapple with juice, and ground cinnamon to the skillet. Bring to a boil.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, then stir into the pineapple mixture.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Add cooked, cubed chicken and frozen pea pods to the skillet. Cook until heated through.
- Spoon the chicken and pineapple mixture into the prepared patty shells.
- Sprinkle with toasted slivered almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding diced bell peppers or swapping the chicken for shrimp. If you're short on time, pre-cooked chicken works well. You can also use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a brighter flavor. Ensure the cornstarch slurry is smooth before adding it to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These pineapple chicken patty shells are perfect as a light main dish, and pair wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables. For an extra crunch, serve with crispy baked zucchini or yellow squash casserole. They’re great for entertaining or a family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the patty shells soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Chicken In Patty Shells contains roughly 782 calories, with 5g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (158% of the Daily Value), calcium (64% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 44g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make these patty shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the patty shells just before serving to keep them crisp. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I substitute for the orange juice?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute orange juice with pineapple juice or a mix of apple juice and a bit of lemon juice. This will still give you a sweet-tart profile that complements the dish.
Can I freeze the filled patty shells?
It's best to freeze the filling separately from the patty shells. Assemble and freeze them unbaked. When ready to eat, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).