Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chicken Delight
This Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chicken Delight is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances the tangy sweetness of pineapple with a hint of spice, resulting in a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. Inspired by my culinary journey with Cook's Illustrated, this dish is fast and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or serving guests. The succulent chicken breast, glazed with a delightful mixture of honey, soy sauce, and curry powder, ensures a juicy bite every time. To elevate this dish, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and toasted almonds for a crunchy texture that complements the sweet glaze beautifully. Once you try this recipe, you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (pat dry and season with salt and pepper)
salt
to taste
fresh ground pepper
to taste
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for browning the chicken)
pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup)
1 (20 ounce) can (drained and juice reserved)
honey
1/4 cup
soy sauce
1 tablespoon
curry powder
2 teaspoons
cayenne pepper
1 pinch
cornstarch
1 teaspoon
cider vinegar
1 tablespoon
sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 cup ((see note for toasting instructions))
Instructions
1
1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2
2. Brown the chicken: In a 12-inch skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear until they are lightly browned on both sides, about 4 minutes total.
3
3. Create the glaze: Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving 1/2 cup of the juice. In a bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, curry powder, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
4
4. Simmer the chicken in the glaze: Pour the pineapple juice mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet, then add the pineapple chunks. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer.
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5. Rest the chicken: Transfer the chicken breasts to a serving platter, cover loosely with foil, and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes while you finish the glaze.
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6. Thicken the glaze: Return the pan with the glaze to a simmer over medium heat, uncovered. Allow the glaze to cook for about 8 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
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7. Finalize the glaze: Incorporate any accumulated chicken juices into the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cider vinegar until smooth, then slowly whisk it into the simmering glaze. Continue to cook for another minute until the glaze becomes thick and syrupy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
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8. Serve: Spoon the thickened glaze over the rested chicken breasts. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and optional fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chicken Delight?
It is a mouthwatering dish that balances tangy sweetness from pineapple with a hint of spice from curry and cayenne, inspired by Cook's Illustrated.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should I prepare the chicken before cooking?
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
What type of pineapple should I use?
Use one 20-ounce can of pineapple chunks in juice. Avoid using pineapple in syrup.
Do I need to save the pineapple juice?
Yes, reserve 1/2 cup of the juice from the can to create the glaze.
What oil is recommended for browning the chicken?
Vegetable oil is used for browning the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
The chicken should be seared for about 4 minutes total until lightly browned on both sides.
What ingredients are in the sweet and spicy glaze?
The glaze consists of reserved pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, curry powder, and cayenne pepper.
How long should the chicken simmer in the glaze?
Cook the chicken in the glaze for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is done when it reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer and is no longer pink in the center.
Why do I need to rest the chicken?
Resting the chicken for 5 to 10 minutes helps keep it succulent and juicy before serving.
How do I thicken the glaze?
Simmer the glaze uncovered for 8 minutes, then whisk in a mixture of cornstarch and cider vinegar.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch and cider vinegar mixture?
This mixture acts as a thickening agent to make the glaze thick, syrupy, and glossy.
How much honey is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of honey.
Can I use fresh herbs as a garnish?
Yes, fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro are recommended to elevate the dish.
What adds the crunch to this dish?
Toasted sliced almonds are sprinkled over the chicken for a crunchy texture.
How much curry powder is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of curry powder.
What provides the spicy kick in this recipe?
A pinch of cayenne pepper combined with curry powder provides the spicy element.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed to be fast and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
What size skillet is recommended?
A 12-inch skillet is recommended for cooking the chicken and glaze.
Should the pineapple chunks be added to the glaze?
Yes, add the pineapple chunks to the skillet along with the juice mixture when simmering the chicken.
How do I incorporate chicken juices back into the dish?
Incorporate any accumulated juices from the resting chicken back into the glaze while it is thickening.
What is the texture of the finalized glaze?
The finalized glaze should be thick, syrupy, and glossy.
How much soy sauce is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
Can I substitute the chicken breasts with other cuts?
While the recipe specifies breasts, you could use thighs, though cooking times may vary.
Is the vinegar added directly to the pan?
No, it should be whisked with the cornstarch first to ensure a smooth consistency before being added.
How much cider vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar.
What type of almonds should I use?
Use 1/4 cup of toasted sliced almonds.
How do I adjust the seasoning at the end?
Adjust the final glaze with salt and pepper to your personal taste.
What is the best way to serve this chicken?
Spoon the thickened glaze over the rested chicken and garnish with almonds and fresh herbs.