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Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Chicken

This dish features tender pieces of chicken consistently coated in a sticky, glossy sauce made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, and vinegar, stir-fried to perfection. The final dish showcases a colorful, caramelized exterior with a juicy interior, topped with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and nutty aroma.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice for the sauce
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch for thickening the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oil vegetable or canola oil for stir-frying
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks optional for extra texture and flavor
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds for sprinkling on top

Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Prepare all ingredients by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and measuring out the sauce ingredients. Set aside.
  2. Mix the pineapple juice, soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch in a small bowl until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This will be your sauce base.
  3. Heat the wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. When shimmering, add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they develop a light golden exterior, about 5-6 minutes.
  4. Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken, stirring quickly to coat all pieces evenly. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes glossy and sticky.
  5. Add the pineapple chunks to the wok, stirring to distribute them among the chicken. Cook for another minute until heated through and fragrant.
  6. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top of the dish just before serving to add a nutty aroma and crunch.
  7. Serve the pineapple chicken hot, garnished with additional sesame seeds if desired, and enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures.