Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 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 shallot, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
For the Salsa
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/2 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded (if desired) and chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 avocado, diced
To Serve
- Coconut rice (recipe not included)
- Additional lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a glass jar or bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, chopped shallots, garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Pour one-third of this sauce over the bite-sized chicken pieces and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Salsa: Combine fresh pineapple chunks, finely chopped shallot, seeded and chopped jalapeño, lime juice, and fresh thyme leaves in a bowl. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat sesame oil or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned on all sides. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the remaining two-thirds of the marinade sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, glazes, and begins to caramelize on the chicken, about 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro for freshness.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the glazed pineapple chicken over a bed of coconut rice. Spoon the fresh pineapple jalapeño salsa over the top, sprinkle diced avocado, and finish with a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavor but a minimum of 15 minutes is sufficient for a quick meal.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and jalapeño according to your heat preference.
- For a complete meal, serve with coconut rice or your favorite rice variety.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
- Leftover pineapple salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion, Hawaiian-inspired