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A colorful plate of sweet and savory pineapple chicken garnished with fresh herbs and surrounded by tropical fruits, perfect for a tropical dinner escape.

Sweet & Savory Pineapple Chicken: Your Tropical Escape for Dinner!

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Experience a tropical flavor explosion with our Sweet & Savory Pineapple Chicken, a quick and delicious dinner idea that combines juicy pineapple chunks with tender, seasoned chicken. Perfect for weeknights or impressing guests, this dish offers the perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness, brought together in an easy-to-make recipe.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free)
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance flavor.
  2. In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add brown sugar, soy sauce, and a splash of pineapple juice to the same skillet. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly. Whisk in dissolved cornstarch if a thicker sauce is desired.
  4. Gently fold in the drained pineapple chunks and simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through and infuse with flavor.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, toss to coat evenly with pineapple and sauce. Garnish with herbs if desired. Serve hot over rice or grains.

Notes

  • Use fresh or canned pineapple based on availability for the best tropical flavor.
  • Adjust brown sugar to taste for more or less sweetness.
  • Add more cornstarch dissolved in water for a thicker sauce.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for added flavor and color.
  • Pair with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tropical
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg