Pineapple Chicken Delight

Name: Pineapple Chicken Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: WorldTaste Adventures

I recently discovered the joy of cooking Pineapple Chicken Delight, and it has quickly become a favorite at our dinner table. The sweet and savory combination of tender chicken and juicy pineapple creates a dish that is not only flavorful but also visually appealing. Every bite bursts with tropical goodness, making it a delightful escape from our everyday meals. I love serving it with rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Give it a try; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion!

Created by

Rafael

Last updated on 2026-01-30T00:01:28.662Z

I remember the first time I made Pineapple Chicken Delight; it was a lovely summer evening, and the aroma of pineapples and chicken filled my kitchen. Cooking is about experimenting, and I decided to mix some of my favorite flavors. I started by marinating the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and fresh ginger to enhance its taste. The result was incredible, and I learned how marinating can really elevate the dish.

One valuable tip I picked up was to use fresh pineapple rather than canned. Fresh pineapple adds a vibrant flavor and a lovely texture that complements the chicken perfectly. Serving it with a topping of green onions on a bed of jasmine rice transformed a simple dish into something extraordinary. I can confidently say it’s a recipe I will keep making for years to come!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The ideal blend of sweet and savory flavors that tantalize your taste buds
A colorful and cheerful presentation that brightens any meal
Simple ingredients and easy steps make it an ideal weeknight dinner

Key Techniques for Perfect Pineapple Chicken

One of the essential techniques for making Pineapple Chicken Delight is marinating the chicken properly. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes provides enough time for the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. If you have the time, consider marinating it longer, even up to overnight in the refrigerator. Just ensure you cover the bowl to avoid contamination and boost the flavor even more.

When cooking the chicken, using a large skillet is crucial. A spacious pan allows for even cooking and browning, preventing the chicken pieces from steaming. Medium heat is ideal—too high can lead to burnt edges while the inside remains uncooked. Look for a golden-brown color on the chicken; this browning adds depth to the flavor of the finished dish.

Ingredient Substitutions and Tips

If you're looking for a lower-sodium option, consider using low-sodium soy sauce, which doesn't compromise the flavor but reduces overall sodium content. Additionally, you can swap honey for agave syrup or maple syrup if you're looking for a vegan alternative. Both substitutes maintain the dish's sweetness without losing the essence of the original recipe.

If fresh pineapple isn't available, canned pineapple can be a great alternative. Use unsweetened canned pineapple to avoid excess sugar, and include a bit of the juice to enhance the sauce's flavor. Keep in mind that canned pineapple may soften the texture, so reduce the cooking time after adding it to the pan to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Serving and Storing

Pineapple Chicken Delight pairs wonderfully with both rice and noodles, but you can get creative with sides! Try serving it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or incorporate it into lettuce wraps for a fresh twist. The tropical flavors also complement a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas nicely.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently over medium heat to maintain the chicken's tenderness and prevent it from drying out. Adding a splash of water or pineapple juice while reheating can help revive the dish's moisture and flavors.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Dish

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they're well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

Add Pineapple

Stir in the fresh pineapple and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Add it to the pan and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Serve

Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Pro Tips

Using fresh pineapple will enhance the flavor significantly
avoid canned versions if possible. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when making Pineapple Chicken Delight is overly dry chicken. To avoid this, ensure you're not overcooking the chicken; it should be removed from the heat as soon as it reaches 165°F for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer for an accurate reading, which can prevent dry and tough chicken pieces.

Another potential hurdle is a thin sauce. If your sauce doesn't thicken as intended, double-check the cornstarch slurry ratio. You can always whisk in more cornstarch mixed with equal parts water and return it to the heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes to achieve that glossy coating on the chicken.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're feeding a larger crowd or want to prepare meals in advance, this recipe scales generously. Simply double the ingredients while maintaining the same cooking techniques. Just ensure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity without overcrowding, which could lead to uneven cooking.

When scaling up, consider increasing the marinating time slightly to ensure that all chicken pieces absorb adequate flavor. If preparing for a gathering, you can keep the dish warm in a slow cooker on a low setting until ready to serve, making it a stress-free option for entertaining without compromising on taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, this recipe works well with pork or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

→ Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

→ What can I serve with Pineapple Chicken Delight?

This dish pairs wonderfully with cooked rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad.