Pineapple Ginger Chicken
Sweet and savory pineapple ginger chicken features tender chicken cooked with pineapple, honey, and ginger, creating a flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper; brown in margarine. Drain off excess fat.
- Gradually add flour to barbecue sauce, mixing until well blended.
- Drain pineapple, reserving juice.
- Add pineapple juice, honey, ginger, and pepper sauce to barbecue sauce mixture. Pour over chicken.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add pineapple and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or until tender.
- Arrange chicken and pineapple on cooked rice.
- Serve with sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the barbecue sauce for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute sesame oil for margarine for a richer taste. If you don't have candied ginger, fresh ginger will work too; just use a smaller amount. Adjust the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference. This dish pairs beautifully with Black Beauty Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pineapple ginger chicken over hot cooked rice for a satisfying meal. Consider garnishing with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. A side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad, such as Peach Salad Mold, complements the dish nicely. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and pineapple in a covered dish and microwave on medium power until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Ginger Chicken contains roughly 131 calories, with 6g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 960mg per serving (42% 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 a different type of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole cut-up chicken. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I use instead of barbecue sauce?
You can use a homemade sauce made with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Alternatively, teriyaki sauce or sweet and sour sauce would also complement the flavors well.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep. Just keep the chicken and sauce separate from the rice until you’re ready to eat to prevent sogginess.
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).