Craving a dish that beautifully balances sweet and savory? This Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Chili Hoisin Sauce Recipe is just the ticket. With tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky, vibrant sauce and paired with juicy pineapple, this meal is a delightful explosion of flavors. It’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as this dish cooks – the tangy notes of the hoisin sauce mingle with the sweetness of pineapple and a touch of heat from the chili, creating an irresistible scent that will draw everyone to the table.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just cooking for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of textures and flavors makes each bite satisfying, bringing a taste of Asian cuisine right to your home.
Vibrant Flavors in Sweet and Sour Chicken
This dish is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy, showcasing tender chicken pieces that are coated in a glossy, spicy hoisin sauce. With the addition of juicy pineapple and colorful bell peppers, each ingredient contributes to a harmonious flavor profile that excites the palate.
The contrast of textures is equally appealing. The crispy chicken provides a satisfying crunch, while the succulent pineapple adds a burst of juiciness. The bell peppers not only enhance the flavor but also introduce a vibrant pop of color, making the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Preparation and Cooking Techniques
To get started, the chicken is coated in cornstarch, which helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust when sautéed. This step is essential for ensuring the chicken retains its moisture while being cooked to perfection.
The cooking process involves sautéing the chicken until it is golden and then adding in the vegetables. This technique allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a savory base before introducing the sweet and spicy hoisin sauce. Each step is designed to build layers of flavor, making every bite memorable.
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines when served over a fluffy bed of white rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce and complements the flavors of the chicken and pineapple beautifully. The presentation can be elevated further with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top, adding a fresh element to the dish.
For those who prefer noodles, this Sweet and Sour Chicken can also be served over a bed of your favorite noodles, offering a delightful twist on the traditional rice accompaniment.
Customization Options
This recipe is versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences. You can adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of chili paste used, or incorporate additional vegetables such as snap peas or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
For a vegetarian version, consider substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh, which can absorb the flavors of the sauce just as well. This flexibility makes it easy to accommodate different dietary needs while still enjoying the vibrant flavors of this dish.
Nutritional Highlights
This dish provides a balanced meal with a good source of protein from the chicken, along with vitamins from the vegetables. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, making it a satisfying yet manageable option for a weeknight dinner.
The inclusion of pineapple not only enhances the sweetness but also adds beneficial nutrients, making this dish not just flavorful but also nourishing.
Final Touches and Presentation
When serving, the visual appeal is crucial. Arrange the sweet and sour chicken artfully over the rice or noodles, allowing the vibrant colors to shine. The glossy sauce should glisten under the light, inviting everyone to dig in.
Completing the meal with chopsticks resting elegantly on the side adds an authentic touch, reminiscent of dining experiences in Asian cuisine. This attention to detail elevates the entire dining experience, making it more enjoyable for everyone at the table.
Delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple
This Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Chili Hoisin Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that features crispy chicken, succulent pineapple chunks, and a rich, tangy sauce. The dish has a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, making it a favorite among many.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (red and green)
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste or sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken to the skillet and add the pineapple chunks, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and chili paste. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Spoon the sweet and sour chicken over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
