Introduction
Looking for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that will transport you to a tropical paradise? Look no further than this delicious pineapple-veggies-a-healthier-takeout-favorite/” rel=”internal noopener”>Tropical Chicken with Pineapple in Sweet and Sour Sauce recipe. Packed with vibrant flavors and easy to customize, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Fast, weeknight-friendly method.
- Pantry ingredients and clean flavors.
- Flexible swaps for protein, veg, and heat level.
- Scales for family or meal prep.
- Consistent results using visual cues.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the red bell pepper and pineapple chunks, and cook until slightly softened.
- In a bowl, mix ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Tropical Chicken with Pineapple over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Tips for Success
- Soften aromatics until sweet before adding liquids.
- Avoid overcrowding to keep browning active.
- Finish with salt or acid for balance.
Variations
- Protein: chicken, turkey, tofu, beef, or mushrooms.
- Lighter: olive oil for butter, extra stock for body.
- Spicy: red pepper flakes, cayenne, or harissa.
- Gluten-free: GF pasta or serve over rice.
- Low-carb: zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—cool fully and store airtight up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of stock or water.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat on low and refresh seasoning to taste.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Most versions freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently.
What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
Reduce briefly to thicken; loosen with stock, pasta water, or milk if too thick. Adjust salt and acid.
Conclusion
Enjoy the taste of the tropics with this flavorful Tropical Chicken with Pineapple in Sweet and Sour Sauce recipe. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Give it a try and let your taste buds take a trip to paradise!
Best Tropical Chicken with Pineapple in Sweet and Sour Sauce R
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the red bell pepper and pineapple chunks, and cook until slightly softened.
- In a bowl, mix ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Tropical Chicken with Pineapple over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.