As spring gets closer and closer, I’m finding ways to create thefeeling of spring and summer without the actual warmer weather. That’s why Icreated this Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken recipe.
This recipe a take on Huli Huli chicken made with juicy chicken right in the air fryer.
I am air fryer obsessed and am constantly trying to find new things to make in there.
Pineapple chicken is a popular dish that combines the sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple with savory chicken. It’s a simple recipe that can be made at home in just 30 minutes with basic ingredients. In this article, I’ll explain step-by-step how to make irresistible pineapple chicken using different cooking methods and ingredient variations
Overview of Pineapple Chicken
Pineapple chicken is made with chicken thighs or breasts that are boneless and skinless and are cooked with pineapple chunks or juice and other fragrant spices like ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. The chicken is lightly browned and then cooked in a sauce with pineapple until it’s fully cooked and the sweet flavors soak in. In the end, the chicken has a nice fruity flavor and is caramelized on the outside. It is soft and juicy on the inside.
Pineapple chicken is commonly served over a bed of white rice as a complete meal, but it also pairs well with noodles or can be enjoyed on its own. It’s a versatile recipe that works for dinner or as an appetizer for potlucks and parties. The complexity of flavors makes it a crowd-pleasing dish.
How to Make Basic Pineapple Chicken
Making pineapple chicken is easy because you can prepare it entirely on the stovetop in one pan. Here are the simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
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Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes until browned.
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Add pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
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In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cornstarch. Pour into skillet and stir until sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
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Let chicken simmer in sauce for 5 more minutes until cooked through.
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Serve over rice.
That’s all it takes to make a flavorful pineapple chicken dish at home with basic ingredients in just 30 minutes! The sauce infuses the chicken with sweet and salty flavors.
Cooking Variations
While stovetop is the easiest method, pineapple chicken can also be prepared using other cooking techniques:
Baked: Arrange chicken in baking dish, top with pineapple chunks and sauce mixture. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
If grilling, let the chicken sit in the sauce for 30 minutes or overnight. Take the chicken off the grill and cook it for 6 to 8 minutes on each side over medium-low heat. Serve with warmed marinade on the side.
Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients in slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours until chicken is very tender.
Pressure Cooker: Use pressure cooking setting for 8-10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked. Allow pressure to release naturally before serving.
Ingredient Variations
There are many ways to customize pineapple chicken to suit your tastes:
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Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a lighter option
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Add vegetables like diced bell pepper, carrots, snap peas or broccoli
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Stir in cashews or peanuts for crunch
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Swap soy sauce for teriyaki sauce
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Use crushed red pepper for spicy kick
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Add sesame oil for nutty aroma
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Garnish with chopped scallions, cilantro or sesame seeds
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Serve over rice, quinoa, egg noodles or pasta
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Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables
Tips for Best Results
Follow these tips to ensure your pineapple chicken comes out perfectly:
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Pat chicken dry before cooking for optimal browning
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Use a nonstick pan to prevent sticking
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Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan
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Use fresh, ripe pineapple for best flavor
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Make sure to dissolve cornstarch in water before adding to the pan
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Simmer sauce to reduce and thicken to desired consistency
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Cook chicken just until opaque throughout, do not overcook
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Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving if baking or grilling
Final Thoughts
Pineapple chicken is easy to make at home as a weekday dinner or impressive meal for guests. The combination of sweet fruit and savory chicken is sure to satisfy. Simply cook the chicken until done, let it simmer in a quick pineapple sauce and dinner is ready. Feel free to try different cooking methods and customize the ingredients to put your own spin on this tasty recipe. With just a few basic ingredients and steps, you can enjoy delicious pineapple chicken anytime.
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple and Pineapple Juice for This Recipe?
Yes, but with restrictions.
Fresh raw pineapple juice contains an enzymecalled bromelain, which will break down and tenderize meat.
Even though heating the pineapple will get rid of the enzyme, there is still a chance that the fresh fruit will make your chicken mushy.
If you do choose to use fresh pineapple in this recipe, keep the sauce and chicken breast strips separate until serving and store leftovers separately.
How to Make Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees.
I used full boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, just like my Basic Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe.
If your chicken is thicker than 1 inch, slice them in half by holding the chicken breast down with one hand and cutting sideways slowly and carefully in a horizontal motion.
In this Air Fryer Orange Chicken recipe, the chicken is cut into big cubes so it gets extra crispy. You can also do this just to change things up.
Add salt and pepper to the melted butter and mix. Cover all sides of each chicken breast with oil and put them in the air fryer. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
The chicken is done as soon as your Instant Read thermometer reads an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
The key to keeping your chicken super juicy in the air fryer is to only cook it right to 165 degrees. If you start getting into the 170s and 180s, your chicken will start to dry out.
Once the grilled chicken is cooked, leave it to rest for at least 5 minutes. This helps it stay nice and tender.
While the chicken is cooking, you can get the pineapple sauce started.
Pineapple chicken | Easy pineapple chicken | pineapple chicken recipe
FAQ
How long should I marinate chicken in pineapple?
It’s important to only marinate for a short time here. If you leave it in for too long, the chicken will fall apart while it’s cooking, becoming shreddy and a little gluey. Fifteen minutes is the sweet spot. The accompanying pineapple salsa is a bright topping for the juicy morsels of aromatic chicken and rice. Jun 9, 2021.
What spices go well with pineapple and chicken?
Pineapple and chicken pair well with a variety of spices, including ginger, garlic, onion, and chili powder. For a tropical twist, consider adding allspice, coriander, or even a touch of cinnamon.
What is Hawaiian chicken sauce made of?
Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, sherry, ginger, garlic, green onions, and dry mustard in a large resealable plastic bag, stirring …Mar 29, 2024.
What happens if you marinate chicken in pineapple juice?
Tip for marinating chicken in pineapple juice When marinating with fresh pineapple juice, it has an enzyme called bromelain that will break down the meat if left for too long.
How do you cook pineapple chicken?
Pineapple chicken is the best mix of sweet and savory. It’s a quick and easy dinner that your family will go crazy over! Season the chicken with garlic salt, and place the cubed chicken into a bowl or zip lock bag. Add the cornstarch, and toss or shake to coat the chicken well. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium high heat.
How long does glazed pineapple chicken take to cook?
Simple, juicy glazed pineapple chicken can be made on the grill or in a grill pan inside. The marinade is made of sweet pineapple and sour lime juice. The hands-on time for this dish is under 45 minutes, making it a great weeknight option.
What is tangy pineapple chicken?
Tangy pineapple chicken is a fresh idea for a weeknight dinner. Marinated with pineapple juice, vinegar, and soy sauce, the chicken is juicy and tender. There is an easy, juicy glazed pineapple chicken recipe that you can make on the grill or inside with a grill pan. The marinade is tangy and sweet pineapple.
How do you make fried chicken with pineapple?
Add the brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, vinegar and cornstarch to a medium sized bowl, and whisk until incorporated. Make sure the cornstarch is dissolved. Pour over the browned chicken in the pan. Add the pineapple chunks, and toss the sauce to coat the chicken in the pan.
What can I use to make pineapple chicken?
Chicken Breasts: I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts here because it speeds up preparation. Garlic Salt: No savory dish is complete without a little garlic! Cornstarch: This is first used as a batter for the chicken. It gives your pineapple chicken that perfect crispy but saucy effect. Canola or Vegetable Oil: Either works!
How long does it take to marinate pineapple chicken?
With a marinade time of six to eight hours, you can mix the marinade and chicken together before you leave for work, then cook as soon as you get home. A simple side of rice is all you need to complete the dinner. Learn how to make pineapple chicken, and you’ll want this in your regular weeknight rotation.