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Easy Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chinese Chicken Recipe for Quick Dinner

sweet and savory pineapple chinese chicken - featured image
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A quick and easy sweet and savory pineapple Chinese chicken recipe perfect for busy weeknights, featuring tender chicken coated in a glossy sauce with a tangy pineapple twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned (drained)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 small bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 1 small onion, sliced thinly (optional)
  • Chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, and sesame oil. Set aside.
  3. Combine cornstarch and cold water in a separate small bowl to make a slurry. Stir until smooth.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced bell pepper and sliced onion, cooking 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
  6. Stir in pineapple chunks and pour the prepared sauce over the veggies. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir the cornstarch slurry again and pour it in slowly while stirring. Cook 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. Stir cornstarch slurry slowly into sauce and allow it to bubble gently to thicken properly. Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste. Garnish with green onions or toasted sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, quick dinner, Chinese chicken recipe, weeknight meal, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/easy-sweet-and-savory-pineapple-chinese-chicken-recipe-for-quick-dinner/