Pineapple Pepper Chicken
Sweet and tangy pineapple pepper chicken combines tender chicken with vibrant green peppers and juicy pineapple chunks, perfect for a flavorful family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice ⓘ
- 5/8 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 3/8 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/6 cup cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/8 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1-1/2 Tbsp soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp chicken bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger ⓘ
- 4 chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, julienned ⓘ
- Cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, sugar, vinegar, water, brown sugar, cornstarch, ketchup, soy sauce, chicken bouillon, and ground ginger; stir until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 2 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Brown the chicken breasts in a skillet or quickly grill them.
- Place the cooked chicken in a greased 9 x 9 inch baking dish sprayed with Pam.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
- Add pineapple chunks and julienned green pepper to the dish.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until heated through.
- Serve hot with cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of soy sauce and ginger before cooking. For a healthier twist, consider using honey instead of sugar or a sugar substitute. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly. You can also add vegetables like carrots or snap peas to make it more colorful, similar to other Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pineapple pepper chicken hot over a bed of cooked rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For added freshness, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. This dish pairs beautifully with Egg Drop Noodle Soup or a side of Chinese Style Vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, covered, to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Pepper Chicken contains roughly 911 calories, with 29g protein, 186g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (132% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and protein (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2712mg per serving (118% 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 pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple can add a more vibrant flavor. Just be sure to cut it into chunks similar to the canned version for even cooking. You may want to adjust the sweetness of the sauce if using fresh pineapple since it can vary in sweetness.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Pineapple pepper chicken reheats well, making it great for meal prep. Just divide it into portions and store with rice in separate containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
What can I substitute for chicken breasts?
You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option, or use tofu for a vegetarian version. If you're looking for a quicker meal, shredded rotisserie chicken can also work well; just adjust the cooking time since it's already cooked.
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).