Sweet Savory Pineapple Chicken (Printable Recipe)
Juicy chicken with pineapple and peppers in a glossy sesame sauce perfect for weeknight dinners.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Main Components
01 -
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
02 -
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
03 -
1 red bell pepper, seeded, cored, and cut into 1-inch pieces
04 -
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
05 -
1 teaspoon minced garlic
06 -
1 teaspoon minced ginger
→ Sauce Elements
07 -
3/4 cup pineapple juice
08 -
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
09 -
1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
10 -
1/3 cup hoisin sauce
11 -
1/4 cup brown sugar
→ Finishing Touches
12 -
2 teaspoons cornstarch
13 -
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
14 -
1 tablespoon sliced green onions
15 -
Salt and pepper to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Heat vegetable oil in a wide pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Place chicken in pan and cook undisturbed for several minutes to develop golden color. Continue cooking 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through with crisped edges.
02 -
Add red bell pepper and pineapple chunks to the pan with chicken. Cook together 4-5 minutes until pepper softens and pineapple releases juice. Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 -
In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar until sugar dissolves completely and mixture is smooth.
04 -
Pour sauce directly into the hot pan. Stir well to coat chicken and vegetables. Bring mixture to a steady simmer.
05 -
Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to form a smooth slurry. Pour into pan and stir continuously. Cook at low boil for 1 minute until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
06 -
Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles with extra sauce spooned over top.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan before adding for enhanced flavor
02 -
Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels before cooking for better browning
03 -
Cook garlic and ginger briefly to release flavors without burning
04 -
Stores well in refrigerator for 3 days; add splash of water when reheating