Steamed Chicken With Pineapple

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

Steamed chicken with pineapple blends tender, flavorful chicken with sweet pineapple and savory seasonings, perfect for a light, satisfying meal with a tropical twist.

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Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 lb. frying chicken
  • vegetable oil
  • 5 slices ginger root or 1 tsp. ground ginger
  • 2 green onions
  • 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. dry sherry
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 (8 oz.) can pineapple chunks
  • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken into 2-inch pieces using a sharp cleaver or have the butcher do it.
  2. Heat vegetable oil to 365°F for deep frying.
  3. Fry the chicken until browned, then drain on paper towels.
  4. Place the fried chicken in a bowl and add ginger, green onion, soy sauce, sugar, sherry, and salt.
  5. Put the bowl with chicken and seasonings on a rack in a pan of boiling water.
  6. Cover and steam for 40 minutes or until the chicken is tender.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce, sugar, and ginger for at least 30 minutes before frying. If you don't have dry sherry, a splash of white wine or rice vinegar can work as a substitute. Consider using fresh ginger for a more vibrant taste. If you're short on time, you can skip frying and directly steam the chicken for a healthier approach.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the steamed chicken with pineapple over a bed of steamed rice or alongside a green vegetable like Green Beans Oriental for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with the flavors of Ginger-Spiced Chicken, making it perfect for a family dinner. For an extra kick, drizzle some additional soy sauce before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover steamed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam the chicken again for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it covered with a damp paper towel, but be cautious not to overheat, as it may dry out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Steamed Chicken With Pineapple contains roughly 633 calories, with 10g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (171% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), and potassium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1732mg per serving (75% of the Daily Value).

633 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.9g 20% DV
Total Fat 2.1g 3% DV
Carbs 154.7g 56% DV
Fiber 19.5g 70% DV
Sugar 0.8g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1732.4mg 75% DV
Potassium 1149.4mg 24% DV
Cholesterol 2.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 26.5mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 154.1mg 100% DV
Calcium 136.6mg 11% DV
Iron 3.4mg 19% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Soy

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 other parts of the chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole frying chicken. Just ensure that the cooking time is adjusted based on the size and cut of the chicken to ensure it is thoroughly cooked and tender.

Is it necessary to fry the chicken before steaming?

Frying the chicken adds a crispy texture and deeper flavor, but you can skip this step if you're looking for a healthier option. Directly steaming will yield tender chicken, although it won't have the same crunch.

What can I serve with steamed chicken?

In addition to rice, consider serving a fresh salad or a stir-fried vegetable dish like One-Dish Bistro Stir-Fry for a complete meal. You could also serve it with chow mein for a delicious combination that enhances the flavors of this dish.

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).

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