Description
A vibrant and flavorful recipe featuring bite-sized chicken pieces glazed with a spicy pineapple sauce and paired with a fresh pineapple salsa. This dish expertly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes for a delightful meal perfect over warm rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Glaze
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 to 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Pineapple Salsa
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/2 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded if desired and finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 avocado, diced
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, chili garlic sauce, shallot, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour one-third of the sauce over the chicken. Toss well to coat and allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours refrigerated. Reserve the remaining sauce for later.
- Prepare the pineapple salsa: In a separate bowl, combine fresh pineapple chunks, chopped shallot, jalapeño, lime juice, and fresh thyme leaves. Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado to keep it fresh and creamy.
- Heat the skillet: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook the chicken: Add the marinated chicken in a single layer to the hot skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Glaze the chicken: Reduce heat to medium and pour the reserved sauce over the cooked chicken. Let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the chicken perfectly.
- Finish with herbs and seeds: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in chopped fresh cilantro. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for a nutty crunch.
- Serve: Plate the spicy pineapple glazed chicken over warm rice and top generously with the fresh pineapple salsa for a burst of flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances flavor and tenderness but is optional if pressed for time.
- Adjust chili garlic sauce amount based on your preferred spice level.
- For gluten-free option, ensure soy sauce is tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- The avocado in the salsa should be added just before serving to avoid browning.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for an authentic pairing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion, Asian-inspired
Keywords: spicy pineapple chicken, pineapple salsa, sweet and spicy chicken, pineapple glaze, easy chicken recipe, stir-fry chicken, fresh pineapple salsa
