Tangy Pineapple Chicken
Tangy pineapple chicken combines tender chicken with sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that appeals to the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- In a skillet, brown chicken in vegetable oil.
- Meanwhile, drain pineapple, reserving the juice.
- Cut pineapple rings in half and set aside.
- Combine cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice until smooth; set aside.
- In a bowl, mix Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and remaining pineapple juice.
- Add mixture to the skillet and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken juices run clear.
- Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Stir cornstarch mixture and add to the skillet; bring to a boil.
- Boil and stir for 2 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Top with pineapple pieces and heat through.
- Serve over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the mustard and honey mixture for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. If you don't have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard works in a pinch, though the flavor will be less tangy. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tangy Pineapple Chicken over a bed of hot cooked rice, allowing the sauce to soak in. This dish pairs well with steamed broccoli or a light salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken Adobo for a delightful combination of flavors or your favorite Asian-inspired sides.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Serve with fresh rice to recreate the original meal experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tangy Pineapple Chicken contains roughly 732 calories, with 3g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (15% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 866mg per serving (38% 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
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish holds up well for meal prep. Just portion the chicken and sauce over rice into individual containers. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. It's a convenient and flavorful option for busy weeknights.
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).