Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chicken

Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chicken is a delicious blend of flavors that will take your taste buds on a tropical adventure. This dish combines juicy chicken thighs, ripe pineapple, and colorful bell peppers, all marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it’s quick to prepare and packed with nutrients. This recipe invites creativity, allowing you to adjust sweetness and spice to suit your preferences, making every meal a unique culinary experience.

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Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned pineapple, drained)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for desired spiciness)

1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, salt, and black pepper. Reserve a few tablespoons of marinade for later use.

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken (discard used marinade) and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.

Thicken the Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet along with the diced pineapple. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is glossy and has slightly thickened.

Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve the Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chicken over cooked rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 35 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4