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- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) In this recipe, chicken thighs are the star. They are juicy and tender. Fresh pineapple adds a sweet twist. The marinade is easy to make and full of flavor. You mix soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey. This blend gives a nice balance of sweet and tangy. You also add ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for depth. Ginger brings warmth, while garlic adds a punch. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor. When you combine these ingredients, they create a perfect coating for the chicken. Don't forget the garnishes! Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch. Sesame seeds give a nice finish. Together, these ingredients will make a delightful Pineapple Bourbon Chicken that you’ll want to enjoy again and again. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to prepare the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Mix everything well. This mix will give your chicken a lot of flavor. Next, add the chicken pieces into the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating for two hours gives even better taste. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Remember to keep some marinade for later. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Once it turns brown and is fully cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet. Set it aside. In the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade. Bring it to a simmer. This part is key for the sauce’s flavor. After a minute, add the diced pineapple. Stir the mix for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the pineapple to warm up and the sauce to thicken slightly. Now, it's time to thicken the sauce. Mix the cornstarch with two tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce should thicken nicely and be ready for the chicken. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together so the chicken is well coated in the thickened sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes. This step helps the chicken absorb all those delicious flavors. After that, your Pineapple Bourbon Chicken is ready to serve! Marination time Marinating the chicken is key. I suggest at least 30 minutes. For a deeper taste, aim for 2 hours. This lets the flavors soak in well. Ingredient substitutions Don't have all the ingredients? You can swap soy sauce for coconut aminos. This gives a sweeter touch. For honey, maple syrup works great too. Each change can make the dish unique. Cooking time adjustments Watch your cooking time. If you cut the chicken smaller, it cooks faster. Typically, 5-7 minutes is enough. Ensure it’s cooked through but not dry. Using fresh pineapple Fresh pineapple adds a bright taste. It keeps the dish juicy. Canned pineapple can work, but the fresh version shines. Best side dishes Serve Pineapple Bourbon Chicken with rice or quinoa. Steamed broccoli or snap peas add color and crunch. A simple side salad also pairs nicely. Presentation ideas Make the dish pop with garnishes. I love using green onions and sesame seeds. Serve it in a bowl with the sauce drizzled on top. This makes it look fancy and inviting! Pro Tips Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavor it will absorb. Aim for at least 2 hours for the best results. Fresh Pineapple: Using fresh pineapple enhances the flavor and texture of the dish compared to canned pineapple. Thickening the Sauce: Ensure the cornstarch slurry is well mixed before adding it to the sauce to avoid clumps. Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce. {{image_2}} You can spice up your Pineapple Bourbon Chicken in a few easy ways. If you like heat, add chili flakes to the marinade. Start with a pinch, and adjust to your taste. For a sweeter twist, mix in brown sugar. This adds a nice caramel flavor. Both options let you make this dish your own. Not a fan of chicken? No problem! You can use pork or tofu instead. Pork brings a rich flavor that pairs well with pineapple. Tofu is a great choice for a lighter option. It soaks up the marinade well. You can also try shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist. They cook quickly and add a nice touch. You can cook this dish in several ways. For a slow cooker version, place the marinated chicken in the cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. This will make the chicken very tender. If you prefer grilling, marinate the chicken and grill it over medium heat. Add the pineapple on the grill for extra flavor. Each method brings its own fun twist to this meal. To keep your Pineapple Bourbon Chicken fresh, use proper storage containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Make sure the chicken is cool before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to eat it later, it's best to freeze it. You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before packing it into airtight bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. To thaw, place the chicken in the fridge overnight. If you need it faster, you can use the microwave. For reheating, use the stovetop or microwave. On the stovetop, heat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. This helps maintain the flavor and texture. Yes, you can use different cuts of chicken. Chicken breast is a great option. It is lean and cooks well in this dish. You might also use drumsticks or wings. Just adjust the cooking time. Thighs are juicier, but other cuts will work too. To add heat, try these options: - Add red pepper flakes for a quick kick. - Use sriracha or chili paste for a bold flavor. - Slice fresh jalapeños and mix them in. - Spicy mustard can also add nice heat. Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Marinate the chicken the night before. This allows the flavors to soak in. You can cook it and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it before serving. This dish pairs well with several sides: - Steamed rice complements the sauce well. - Fresh green salad adds a crisp touch. - Roasted vegetables bring color and flavor. - For drinks, try iced tea or a light beer. In this post, we explored Pineapple Bourbon Chicken, focusing on its tasty ingredients and easy steps. We covered how to marinate chicken, cook it, and make a flavorful sauce. I shared tips for enhancing flavors and suggested variations to try. Proper storage and reheating methods ensure your dish stays fresh. In conclusion, enjoy this recipe's rich taste and adjust it to your liking. Cooking should be fun, so dive in and make it your own!

Pineapple Bliss Bourbon Chicken

A deliciously sweet and savory chicken dish featuring pineapple and bourbon flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
  • 1 2 low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Mix well to create a marinade.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they're well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  • In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, add the marinated chicken (reserve the marinade for later) and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade and bring it to a simmer.
  • Add the diced pineapple and stir the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until the pineapple is warmed and the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Stir in the cornstarch slurry to further thicken the sauce, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly in the thickened sauce.
  • Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb more flavor.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for longer for enhanced flavor.
Keyword bourbon, chicken, easy recipe, pineapple