Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner recipe? Then look no further! This sweet and savory pineapple chicken stir-fry is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with vibrant flavors, tender chicken, and juicy pineapple – a delightful combination that's surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, quick dinner ideas, and healthy meals all rolled into one delicious dish. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and set aside for 10 minutes to marinate. This helps the chicken to absorb some flavor and become more tender.
Step 2: Stir-frying the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic, and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the wok and stir-fry for another 5-7 minutes, until cooked through.
Step 4: Creating the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 5: Combining and Simmering
Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Add the drained crushed pineapple and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 6: Serving
Serve the stir-fry hot over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Enjoy this delicious and easy meal!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken and vegetables won't brown properly. Work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter stir-fry, add a bit more honey. If you prefer it more savory, reduce the honey and add a bit more soy sauce.
- Fresh ginger is best: If you have fresh ginger, grate about 1 tablespoon and use that instead of the ground ginger for a more intense flavor.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this stir-fry with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed broccoli or brown rice, for a more balanced and satisfying meal.
Variations:
- Shrimp Stir-Fry: Substitute shrimp for the chicken. Cook the shrimp for a shorter time to prevent overcooking.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snow peas.
- Spicy Stir-Fry: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: Approximately 25-30g Fat: Approximately 10-15g Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g
This delicious pineapple chicken stir-fry is a perfect example of how easy and satisfying healthy meals can be. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite, offering a quick and flavorful solution for weeknight dinners or a fun weekend meal. Enjoy the deliciousness of this homemade cooking masterpiece!