Chicken with pineapple and peppers

Chicken with pineapple and peppers is a flavorful, tropical dish that combines tender chicken with sweet pineapple and crisp bell peppers. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for weeknights or a casual get-together. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs (675 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder

For the Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
   • Mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry and add it to the sauce mixture. Stir well.

3. Cook the Vegetables:

   • In the same skillet or wok, add a little more vegetable oil if needed.
   • Add the chopped red and green bell peppers and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they start to soften.

4. Combine and Simmer:

   • Pour the sauce over the cooked bell peppers and bring to a simmer.
   • Add the pineapple chunks and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.

5. Add the Chicken:

   • Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss to coat them with the sauce and vegetables.
   • Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the chicken with pineapple and peppers over cooked rice or noodles.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

Tips

• Chicken Options: Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and more flavorful than breasts, but you can use either based on your preference.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for more variety.
• Pineapple: If using canned pineapple, be sure to drain it well to avoid excess liquid in the dish.

Enjoy your delicious chicken with pineapple and peppers—a tropical delight that’s sure to please!