If you’re looking for a dish that combines vibrant flavors and a touch of sweetness, this Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Chili Honey Recipe is a perfect choice. Imagine tender chicken pieces tossed in a luscious sauce that balances the tang of vinegar with the sweetness of pineapple and honey. It’s a delightful explosion of taste that will make your taste buds dance.
This recipe is not just about the meal; it’s about creating a dish that brings joy and satisfaction to your dining table. The addition of chili honey adds a gentle warmth that elevates the classic sweet and sour combination, making it intriguing and exciting. You can easily whip this up for family dinners or impress your friends during a gathering.
Vibrant Ingredients That Shine
The dish features a colorful array of ingredients that not only offer visual appeal but also a delightful medley of flavors. Tender chicken is the star, beautifully complemented by the crunch of bell peppers and the sweetness of pineapple.
Using fresh bell peppers in shades of green and red adds a vibrant contrast, enhancing the overall presentation. The juicy pineapple chunks contribute a tropical essence that brightens the dish, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
A Harmonious Flavor Balance
The combination of sweet and sour elements creates an enticing flavor profile. The tangy sauce, made with soy sauce and apple cider vinegar, brings an exciting zing to the tender chicken pieces while harmonizing with the sweet notes from honey.
This balance is further elevated by the addition of chili honey, which introduces a subtle warmth that rounds out the flavors. It’s this interplay of sweet, sour, and spicy that makes the Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Chili Honey Recipe truly appealing.
Preparation Made Simple
Preparing this dish is an approachable endeavor, even for those who might not consider themselves culinary experts. It begins with seasoning the chicken, which is then cooked until perfectly browned, allowing the flavors to develop deeply.
The vegetables follow, sautéed just enough to retain their texture while absorbing the flavors of the garlic and onion. This layering of cooking techniques ensures that every bite is packed with taste.
Creating the Perfect Glaze
The secret to the glossy sauce lies in the careful amalgamation of ingredients. Once the chicken and vegetables are combined, the sauce is poured over and brought to a simmer, allowing it to coat the ingredients in a luscious glaze.
Thickening the sauce with cornstarch creates a velvety texture that clings to the chicken and vegetables, elevating the entire dish. This step ensures that each bite is enveloped in flavor, making it irresistibly delectable.
A Cozy Dining Experience
Serving Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Chili Honey is an opportunity to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Plating the dish alongside a bowl of fluffy rice allows for a satisfying meal where flavors can be savored together.
Setting the table with chopsticks adds an authentic touch, inviting diners to immerse themselves in the experience. The rustic wooden table background enhances the cozy vibe, making this dish a perfect choice for family gatherings or casual dinners with friends.
Nutrition That Nourishes
This dish is not only delightful in taste but also offers a nutritional balance. With a serving providing around 320 calories, it’s a wholesome option that combines protein from the chicken with the vitamins from the bell peppers and pineapple.
With a reasonable amount of fat and carbohydrates, it fits well into a balanced diet. This makes Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Chili Honey a satisfying choice for those seeking a nourishing meal without sacrificing flavor.
Delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Chili Honey
This Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Chili Honey combines juicy chicken, crisp bell peppers, and sweet pineapple in a tangy sauce that packs a punch. The result is a dish that’s both savory and sweet, leaving you with a satisfying flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1-2 tablespoons chili honey (adjust based on spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, and chili honey. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the vegetables.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the pineapple chunks and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve the sweet and sour chicken over cooked rice, garnished with additional pineapple if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
