Pineapple Chicken(Po Lo Chi)
A savory Hawaiian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, sweet pineapple, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dredge uncooked chicken meat (cut in 1-inch pieces) with a mixture of the cornstarch, salt, and cold water.
- Add the soy sauce to the chicken and mix well.
- Saute the sliced onions in 2 tablespoons of oil for about 2 minutes, then remove from the pan.
- Saute the diagonally cut celery and sliced water chestnuts in the remaining oil for 2 minutes or less, then remove from the pan.
- Add the chicken to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the pineapple slices and pineapple juice, then cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
- Combine all ingredients, serve hot garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal texture, ensure the chicken is cut into uniform 1-inch pieces. If you're out of cornstarch, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, though the coating will be slightly different. For a twist, add bell peppers or snap peas when sautéing the vegetables. This dish can also be served over rice or noodles, similar to Chicken And Vegetable Stir-Fry Over Rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pineapple Chicken hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor. It pairs well with steamed rice or fried rice, making it a complete meal. Consider serving alongside a fresh salad or stir-fried vegetables to balance the sweetness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop; add a splash of water to ensure it doesn't dry out. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Chicken(Po Lo Chi) contains roughly 1598 calories, with 4g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2244mg per serving (98% 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 ensure it is fully thawed before cooking to achieve even cooking. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly if the chicken starts out cold.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you can't find water chestnuts, bamboo shoots or sliced jicama can be good alternatives, providing a similar crunch and texture to the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or a dash of chili sauce when sautéing the vegetables or chicken. This will enhance the flavor profile while maintaining the dish's overall balance.
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).