Why Make This Recipe
Pineapple Chicken with Asparagus is a delightful dish that blends sweet and savory flavors. It’s a creative meal that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Using fresh pineapple makes it vibrant and adds a tropical touch to your dinner table. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and it’s simple enough for beginners to try.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken with Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 Pineapple
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp pineapple juice
- Chicken (amount to preference)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp water
- Brown or white rice
- Butter
- Salt
- Asparagus
- Oil
Directions
- Cut the pineapple in half and scoop out the inside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, and pineapple juice.
- Season your chicken and cook it until it’s fully done.
- Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and pour the sauce over it, bringing it to a simmer.
- In another small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Pour this mixture into the sauce until it thickens.
- Cook the rice according to package directions, adding butter and salt for flavor.
- Place half the chicken and half the rice into each pineapple half.
- Trim the ends off the asparagus. Heat oil and salt in a pan, adding the asparagus until it is cooked through, around 425°F.
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken with Asparagus
Serve the pineapple chicken in the hollowed-out pineapple halves. This not only looks great but also keeps the dish warm. Add the cooked asparagus on the side for color and crunch. It’s a complete meal in itself, and guests will enjoy the unique presentation.
How to Store Pineapple Chicken with Asparagus
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the chicken and rice separate if possible. They can last for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stove until hot.
Tips to Make Pineapple Chicken with Asparagus
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce for an hour before cooking.
- Fresh asparagus is best, but you can use frozen if that’s what you have.
- Make sure to cut the pineapple carefully to avoid losing any fruit.
- Adjust the ingredients to your taste, adding more garlic or using different types of rice.
Variation
You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for more color and nutrition. If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but fresh pineapple gives a better texture and flavor.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and cook the rice and asparagus just before serving.
3. Is this dish gluten-free?
The recipe is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce. You can substitute with gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Pineapple Chicken with Asparagus
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the pineapple in half and scoop out the inside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, and pineapple juice.
- Season your chicken and cook it until it’s fully done.
- Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and pour the sauce over it, bringing it to a simmer.
- In another small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Pour this mixture into the sauce until it thickens.
- Cook the rice according to package directions, adding butter and salt for flavor.
- Trim the ends off the asparagus. Heat oil and salt in a pan, adding the asparagus until it is cooked through, around 425°F.
- Place half the chicken and half the rice into each pineapple half.
- Serve the pineapple chicken in the hollowed-out pineapple halves, adding the cooked asparagus on the side for color and crunch.