If you're looking to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of flavor, look no further than this Hot and Sour Pineapple Chicken! This irresistible dish combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and a zesty sauce that will leave you craving more. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you can impress your family or guests with an authentic Asian-inspired meal that’s as vibrant as it is delicious. Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, draining pineapple chunks, and finely chopping green onions for garnish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes to create the sauce. Ensure cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent clumping.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers and appears slightly rippling.
- Add chicken cubes to the hot oil, spreading them in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Add pineapple chunks to the skillet, stirring to combine with chicken and allow slight caramelization for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour prepared sauce over chicken and pineapple, stirring continuously to coat evenly. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes to allow sauce to further set and flavors to meld.
- Transfer to serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or your preferred side dish.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your chicken and pineapple in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This will streamline your cooking process!
- Perfect the Sauce: Make sure to whisk the sauce ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This will help achieve a smooth and glossy finish.
- High Heat is Key: When cooking the chicken, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the meat. This will create a nice sear and lock in the juices, making your chicken tender and flavorful.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you're making a larger batch, consider cooking the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.
- Garnish Generously: Freshly chopped green onions not only add color but also a fresh crunch that complements the dish beautifully. Don’t skip this step!
- Serve with the Right Side: Pair this dish with steamed rice or a light salad to balance the flavors and create a satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 309kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 94mg
