Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Pineapple Chicken offers a delightful contrast of flavors – the tangy sweetness of pineapple and the bold heat from chili paste make each bite a burst of flavor. The dish is simple to prepare yet full of complex flavors, with juicy chicken cooked to perfection in a savory-sweet sauce. It’s also customizable; you can adjust the spice level to your liking, making it suitable for all taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for something quick for dinner or a dish to impress your guests, Spicy Pineapple Chicken is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into chunks (or use canned pineapple)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust for spice level)
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the sauce: Add the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, chili paste, honey (or brown sugar), and rice vinegar to the pan. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce, stirring until it thickens.
Combine the chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until well coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the Spicy Pineapple Chicken over steamed rice, quinoa, or a bed of sautéed vegetables.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Adjust the spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili paste or substitute it with a mild hot sauce. For more heat, add extra chili paste or fresh chopped chilies.
Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish.
Add more vegetables: You can toss in extra veggies like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
Pineapple variation: If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple works just as well. Make sure to drain the juice before using it in the recipe.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re juicier and more flavorful, so feel free to swap them for chicken breasts if preferred.

Can I use frozen pineapple?

Yes, frozen pineapple can be used in place of fresh pineapple. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before using it in the recipe.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, add more chili paste or fresh chopped chili peppers, or drizzle with a bit of hot sauce after serving.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, combine them and heat everything through.

Can I freeze Spicy Pineapple Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

What can I serve with Spicy Pineapple Chicken?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables. It also goes well with a side of fried rice or a fresh green salad.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can mix cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce. Alternatively, cook the sauce a little longer to reduce it and make it thicker.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar, depending on your preference.

What is chili paste?

Chili paste is a condiment made from chili peppers, oil, and sometimes other ingredients like garlic or vinegar. If you can’t find chili paste, you can substitute with sriracha sauce or a combination of chili flakes and oil.

Can I use canned chicken?

While fresh chicken is preferred for its texture, you can use canned or pre-cooked chicken in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as the chicken will only need to be heated through.

Conclusion

Spicy Pineapple Chicken is an exciting and flavorful dish that blends the sweetness of pineapple with the heat of chili paste for a meal that’s both satisfying and packed with vibrant flavors. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its balance of spicy and sweet, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it over rice or veggies for a complete and delicious meal. Enjoy!

Spicy Pineapple Chicken

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Spicy Pineapple Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the heat of chili paste, creating a balanced and mouthwatering meal. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan Cooking
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, chili paste, honey (or brown sugar), and rice vinegar to the pan. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce, stirring until it thickens.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until well coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the Spicy Pineapple Chicken over steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables.

Notes

Adjust the spice by adding more chili paste or fresh chopped chilies for extra heat.
For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple works just as well; just drain the juice first.
Add more veggies like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
For a sweeter option, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 300
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg