Sweet Chili Pineapple Chicken

$- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced - 1 small red onion, sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced In this dish, chicken breast serves as the main protein. I love using fresh pineapple chunks for sweetness. Bell pepper adds color and crunch, while red onion provides a nice bite. Garlic brings depth to the flavor. - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - Salt and pepper to taste The marinade is key for flavor. Sweet chili sauce gives a nice sweetness with heat. Soy sauce adds umami, while olive oil keeps the chicken moist. Fresh ginger brings a zing to the dish. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. - Chopped green onions - Sesame seeds Garnishing is important for presentation. Chopped green onions add a fresh taste. Sesame seeds give a nice crunch and look great. These small touches make your meal look and taste amazing. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, mix the chicken pieces with sweet chili sauce. Add soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. This blend brings out great flavor. Make sure each piece is coated well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate it for up to 2 hours if you want more taste. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced red onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 2 minutes. This step makes your kitchen smell amazing. Now it’s time to add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to brown and cook through. Stir often so it cooks evenly. After the chicken is cooked, toss in the sliced bell pepper and fresh pineapple chunks. Stir-fry everything together for 3-4 minutes. This allows the pineapple to caramelize and the veggies to soften. The mix of flavors will excite your taste buds. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer your Sweet Chili Pineapple Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish it with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal. Enjoy! Marinating adds depth to the flavor of your chicken. It helps the sweet chili sauce soak in. The best time to marinate is at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, try marinating up to 2 hours. This step makes a big difference. Stir-frying is the key to a tasty Sweet Chili Pineapple Chicken. Use a large skillet so everything fits. Heat the oil before adding the onion and garlic. This step helps release their flavors. Cook for just a few minutes until fragrant. Then, add the marinated chicken. Stir it often to ensure even cooking. Aim for a nice brown color. Finally, toss in the bell pepper and pineapple. This will bring out their sweetness. To make your meal complete, serve Sweet Chili Pineapple Chicken with sides. Steamed jasmine rice is a perfect match. It soaks up the sauce well. You can also add fresh pineapple wedges for a tropical touch. Chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top add color and flavor. Pro Tips Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. This allows the sweet chili sauce and ginger to penetrate the meat more deeply. Fresh Pineapple: Using fresh pineapple instead of canned will enhance the dish's flavor and texture. Fresh pineapple caramelizes beautifully when cooked. Veggie Crunch: To maintain the crunch of the bell pepper, add it towards the end of the cooking process. This will give you a nice contrast to the tender chicken. Garnishing: Don't skip the garnishes! Chopped green onions and sesame seeds add not just flavor but also visual appeal to the dish. {{image_2}} You can swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp. Both options bring unique flavors. If you want a plant-based dish, use chickpeas or tempeh. For veggies, try zucchini, snap peas, or carrots. These will add different textures and tastes. To make the dish spicier, add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños. You can also mix in sriracha or chili paste for more heat. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you control the spice level just right for you. You can serve Sweet Chili Pineapple Chicken in many ways. Try it in a wrap with lettuce or tortillas. This makes a fun, handheld meal. You can also serve it in a bowl with rice or quinoa. Add extra veggies on top for crunch and color. For best results, store your Sweet Chili Pineapple Chicken leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Use a container that fits the amount of food to reduce air exposure. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before serving, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it's hot. If you want to keep the dish longer, freezing is a great option. Allow the chicken to cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Your Sweet Chili Pineapple Chicken can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then warm it in a skillet or microwave until hot. In the fridge, your Sweet Chili Pineapple Chicken stays good for about 3 days. If you freeze it, the quality lasts about 3 months. After this time, the flavor may fade, but it will still be safe to eat. Always check for any off smells or changes in appearance before consuming leftovers. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge. If you're short on time, use cold water. Place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. This method keeps the chicken safe and ready for your dish. To add heat, try these ideas: - Add sliced jalapeños or chili flakes. - Use a spicy chili sauce instead of sweet chili sauce. - Mix in some sriracha or hot sauce. These options will bring a nice kick to the Sweet Chili Pineapple Chicken. Yes, but you need to check your ingredients. Use gluten-free soy sauce to make it safe. Many brands offer gluten-free soy sauce. Also, double-check the sweet chili sauce label. Some sauces may contain gluten. By choosing the right products, you can enjoy this dish without worry. You now have all the steps to make a great Sweet Chili Pineapple Chicken. We covered the key ingredients like chicken, pineapple, and marinades. You learned how to marinate, sauté, and cook. I shared tips to enhance flavor and storage advice. Feel free to experiment with variations to suit your taste. With practice, you'll master this dish and impress others. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Sweet Chili Pineapple Chicken

A delicious stir-fry featuring marinated chicken, fresh pineapple, and colorful vegetables, all tossed in a sweet chili sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1 whole bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
1 small red onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 4 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish chopped green onions
for garnish sesame seeds

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red onion and minced garlic; sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
Toss in the sliced bell pepper and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the pineapple to caramelize slightly and the veggies to soften.
Remove from heat and transfer the Sweet Chili Pineapple Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

Serve over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, pineapple, stir fry, sweet chili