Quick Pineapple Chicken
A quick and flavorful pineapple chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce with ginger and pepper. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry chicken in olive oil until cooked through and white.
- Add pineapple juice, season with ginger and pepper.
- Thicken the sauce with cornstarch and simmer until it is thickened.
- Add pineapple chunks and cook briefly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker alternative, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. If you prefer a different flavor, substitute the ginger with garlic or add a splash of soy sauce for an umami boost. To make it a bit spicier, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes. This dish can also be served over rice or noodles, making it a versatile option for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
This Quick Pineapple Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a fresh side salad. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside Oriental Noodle And Chicken Salad. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. A side of stir-fried vegetables can also complement this dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the chicken from drying out. Microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Pineapple Chicken contains roughly 50 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 467mg per serving (20% 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, you can use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor. Simply cut the pineapple into chunks and add them to the dish along with the chicken. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the pineapple is heated through.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Quick Pineapple Chicken is great for meal prep. Just cook the chicken and sauce, let it cool, and portion it out with your choice of rice or vegetables. Store in the refrigerator and reheat as needed for a quick weekday meal.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, to make this dish gluten-free, simply ensure that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free and use gluten-free soy sauce if you'd like to add that flavor. Serve it over gluten-free grains like quinoa for a complete meal.
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).