Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Pineapple Pepper Chicken! Imagine tender chicken pieces perfectly caramelized and glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce, bursting with vibrant bell peppers and juicy pineapple chunks. This Asian-inspired dish is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that will transport you to a tropical paradise right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy home cook or a meal prep enthusiast, this recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite that combines convenience, nutrition, and irresistible taste in one incredible dish!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, slicing bell pepper into thin strips, and measuring out pineapple chunks.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, and cornstarch until smooth to create the sauce base.
- Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating on all pieces.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a light coating of cooking oil.
- Add chicken cubes to the hot skillet, cooking for 5-6 minutes and stirring occasionally until chicken is golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Add sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until peppers start to soften.
- Pour prepared sauce over chicken and peppers, stirring to coat evenly and allow sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Add pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring everything is heated thoroughly.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving over rice or noodles.
- For OAMC (Once A Month Cooking), allow dish to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to serve frozen meal, thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat in skillet or microwave until heated through.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken cubes in the sauce mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and taste.
- Use fresh pineapple if possible - it provides a more vibrant, authentic flavor compared to canned alternatives.
- Ensure your skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve that perfect golden-brown sear that locks in juiciness.
- When freezing for OAMC, consider separating sauce and chicken to prevent soggy texture upon reheating.
- For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick of heat.
- Always let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 31g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 85mg
