Firecracker Pineapple Chicken

There’s something truly exciting about the flavors of Firecracker Pineapple Chicken, isn’t there? I remember the first time I had it—a warm summer evening, the air thick with anticipation of a good meal. The combination of sweet pineapple and spicy hot sauce creates a symphony of flavors that makes your taste buds dance. It’s the kind of dish that brings friends and family together, filling your kitchen with laughter and joy. I often find myself craving this dish on busy weeknights when I want something quick yet flavorful. The beautiful golden pieces of chicken coated in a glossy, vibrant sauce are simply irresistible. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!

Let’s dive into why this dish is special. Seriously, once you savor the Firecracker Pineapple Chicken, you’ll want to make it a regular dish in your home. It’s not just about the taste—it’s about the experience. The perfect blend of sweet and spicy, and the crunch of fresh ingredients, creates a meal that’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to.

Recipe Ingredients for Firecracker Pineapple Chicken

When it comes to the ingredients for Firecracker Pineapple Chicken, each one plays a crucial role in creating a delicious balance of flavors. The key players include fresh ginger, pineapple juice, and tender chicken. These ingredients not only combine to create an amazing taste but also infuse the dish with freshness and vibrancy, making it an instant hit! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons avocado oil: This oil is perfect for frying, as it has a high smoke point and a mild flavor that won’t overpower the dish.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced: Fresh ginger brings a lovely warmth and depth to the sauce.
• 3/4 cup pineapple juice: This is the star of the dish, providing sweetness and tang that balances the heat.
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce: Adjust the amount based on your heat preference—this adds a delightful kick!
• 1/2 tablespoon coconut aminos (or soy sauce, if not Paleo): This gives the dish a savory umami flavor.
• 1 teaspoon tapioca starch: Used to thicken the sauce for a nice glossy finish.
• 3 tablespoons tapioca starch: This helps coat the chicken to achieve a crispy texture.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning.
• 8 ounces chicken breast, cubed: Tender and juicy, this is the main protein in the dish.
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil: For frying the chicken to golden perfection.
• 1/4 cup pineapple tidbits, drained: These add bursts of sweetness to the dish.
• Cooked white rice, or cauliflower rice for serving: This is what you’ll serve the dish over.
• Sliced green onion for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
• Sesame seeds for garnish: A lovely crunch that enhances the dish.

Cooking Method for Firecracker Pineapple Chicken

Cooking Firecracker Pineapple Chicken is a delightful experience that engages the senses. The aroma of ginger frying will fill your kitchen, setting the stage for a meal that promises to impress. Here’s how you can create this savory dish step by step:

1. In a medium frying pan, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of avocado oil on medium heat. Add in the fresh ginger and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. You’ll start to smell the wonderful aroma, which means it’s time for the next step.
2. Turn the heat to medium-high and add in the pineapple juice, hot sauce, and coconut aminos. Bring this mixture to a boil. Watch the bubbles form, as this will help the flavors meld beautifully.
3. Once boiling, whisk 2 teaspoons of the sauce with 1 teaspoon of tapioca starch in a small bowl until smooth. This step is crucial for thickening the sauce.
4. While whisking, pour in the tapioca starch mixture until well-mixed. Boil, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and starts to reduce, about 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Turn down the heat to medium-low and cook for 1 minute until the sauce becomes shiny. This glossy finish is what makes the dish visually appealing.
6. Transfer the sauce to a medium bowl and cover to thicken and keep warm while you prepare the chicken.
7. Place 1 tablespoon of tapioca starch and a pinch of salt and pepper in a large Ziploc bag. Add in the cubed chicken and shake until evenly coated. This creates a crispy outer layer when cooked.
8. In the same frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil on medium-high heat. Add half of the coated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Look for a nice golden color to ensure it’s cooked properly.
9. Flip the chicken pieces and cook until the other side is golden brown. Then, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to lightly press out any excess oil. This keeps the chicken crispy.
10. Repeat with the remaining oil and chicken. Now you should have perfectly crispy pieces!
11. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce, along with the pineapple tidbits, and toss to coat it evenly. This is where all the flavors come together.
12. Serve over cauliflower rice (or white rice) and garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Now you have a beautiful dish that’s ready to be enjoyed!

Substitutions and Tips

Cooking should be fun, and having a few tips up your sleeve can enhance your overall experience. Here’s a collection of helpful tips for making Firecracker Pineapple Chicken shine:

• Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve this dish with a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount or omit it altogether.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with tofu for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
• Garnishing: Add crushed nuts or cilantro as an additional garnish to enhance flavor and presentation.

How to Enjoy Firecracker Pineapple Chicken

There are so many delightful ways to enjoy your creation of Firecracker Pineapple Chicken that will make every bite memorable. Here are some ideas:

• Over Rice: Serve the dish over fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Garnish: Don’t forget to top it with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for that extra crunch and flavor.
• As a Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Divide into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• With Side Dishes: Pair it with steamed broccoli or a vibrant salad to create a well-rounded meal.
• Occasions: Enjoy it during casual family dinners, festive gatherings, or even a fun summer barbecue with friends.
• Seasonal Pairings: This dish is especially refreshing in summer, but it can be made year-round for a taste escape.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Firecracker Pineapple Chicken recipe is a vibrant blend of sweet and spicy that will surely excite your taste buds. It’s easy to whip up, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. I encourage you to try this dish and experience the joy it brings to your table!

Firecracker Pineapple Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Firecracker Pineapple Chicken is a sweet and spicy dish that will tantalize your taste buds! Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it's quick to prepare yet packed with flavor. You won't regret making this tonight!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
• 3/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon coconut aminos (or soy sauce, if not Paleo)
• 1 teaspoon tapioca starch
• 3 tablespoons tapioca starch
• Salt and pepper
• 8 ounces chicken breast, cubed
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1/4 cup pineapple tidbits, drained
• Cooked white rice, or cauliflower rice for serving
• Sliced green onion for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. In a medium frying pan, heat the avocado oil on medium heat. Add in the fresh ginger and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Turn the heat to medium-high and add in the pineapple juice, hot sauce, and coconut aminos. Bring to a boil.
3. Once boiling, whisk 2 teaspoons of the sauce with 1 teaspoon of tapioca starch in a small bowl until smooth.
4. While whisking, pour in the tapioca starch mixture until well-mixed. Boil, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and starts to reduce, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Turn down the heat to medium-low and cook for 1 minute until the sauce becomes shiny.
6. Transfer to a medium bowl and cover to thicken and keep warm while you make the chicken.
7. Place the tapioca starch and a pinch of salt and pepper in a large Ziploc bag. Add in the cubed chicken and shake until evenly coated.
8. Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil on medium-high heat in a large frying pan. Add half of the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
9. Flip and cook until the other side is golden brown. Then, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and lightly press out any excess oil.
10. Repeat with the remaining oil and chicken.
11. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce, along with the pineapple tidbits, and toss to coat it evenly.
12. Serve over cauliflower rice (or white rice) and garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Notes

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to maintain freshness.

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Meet Simone Patel

Food is the ultimate connector, and I approach every recipe with the host in mind. I focus on creating meals that scale well for crowds and make entertaining effortless. I cooked and tested this meal to ensure it holds up beautifully from the stove to the serving platter, ready for your guests.