Description
A vibrant and flavorful Spicy Pineapple Chicken meal prep recipe featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and spicy pineapple-based sauce, cooked with fresh jalapeño and onions for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing meals ahead with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 4 tbsp pineapple juice (from can)
- 1 tbsp chilli sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs (skinless & boneless, cubed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 white onion (sliced)
- 1 jalapeño (sliced)
- 14-ounce can pineapple chunks (drained)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp green onion (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: Drain the can of pineapples, reserving the juice separately. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, chili sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Cube the chicken thighs and place them in the marinade. Toss well to ensure all pieces are coated, then refrigerate for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced white onion and jalapeño to the pan, cooking for 1-2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken along with the marinade into the skillet. Increase heat slightly and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and starting to brown.
- Add Pineapple and Seasoning: Stir in drained pineapple chunks and sprinkle with salt. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes to heat the pineapple and blend the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle sliced green onions over the dish. Serve immediately, preferably with rice of your choice.
- Meal Prep Tip: Portion the chicken and pineapple mixture into meal prep containers with rice. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days.
Notes
- Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs for tender and juicy results.
- Adjust chili sauce and red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- This dish pairs well with steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat thoroughly before eating.
- Add fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Keywords: spicy pineapple chicken, meal prep chicken, pineapple chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, chicken thighs recipe, spicy chicken stir fry
