Tangy Pineapple Chicken Bites
Indulge in this delightful Tangy Pineapple Chicken Bites recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering. This vibrant dish features crispy popcorn chicken enveloped in a sweet and sour sauce made with juicy pineapple, colorful bell peppers, and zesty onions. The sauce is packed with flavorful ingredients that seamlessly blend to create a tanginess that compliments the crunchy chicken perfectly. Whether served with a side of egg drop soup and fried rice or enjoyed on its own, this dish is a hit for the whole family, including picky eaters. The generous portions leave plenty for leftovers, making it ideal for busy parents seeking delicious, satisfying meals. Your little ones will love the tender chicken coated in sauce, and you'll appreciate the ease of preparation—and the happy smile at the table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweet red pepper
1 medium (cut into 1 inch pieces)
onion
1 small (thinly sliced)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for stir-frying)
pineapple chunks
1 (20 ounce) can (drained, juice reserved)
white vinegar
3 tablespoons (for sauce)
low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons (for sauce)
ketchup
2 tablespoons (for sauce)
brown sugar
1/3 cup (packed)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons (for thickening the sauce)
popcorn chicken
1 (12 ounce) package (cooked according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2
Add the sweet red pepper and sliced onion. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
3
While the vegetables are cooking, drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice in a 2-cup measuring cup. Set the pineapple aside.
4
Add enough water to the pineapple juice to make 1 1/3 cups. Stir in the white vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, and ketchup until well combined.
5
In a separate bowl, combine the packed brown sugar and cornstarch. Gradually stir in the pineapple juice mixture until smooth.
6
Pour the juice mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Increase the heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened.
7
Add the reserved pineapple chunks to the skillet and simmer, uncovered, for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until heated through.
8
While the sauce is simmering, microwave the popcorn chicken according to the package instructions until fully cooked.
9
Gently stir the microwaved chicken into the pineapple mixture, ensuring it is well-coated with the sauce.
10
Serve immediately and enjoy alongside your favorite side dishes or as a standalone dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tangy Pineapple Chicken Bites?
Tangy Pineapple Chicken Bites is a dish featuring crispy popcorn chicken in a sweet and sour sauce with pineapple, bell peppers, and onions.
How long do I cook the vegetables?
Stir-fry the sweet red pepper and sliced onion for 3 to 4 minutes or until they are crisp-tender.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 12-ounce package of popcorn chicken, cooked according to package instructions.
How do I prepare the red pepper?
One medium sweet red pepper should be cut into 1-inch pieces.
How should the onion be prepared?
One small onion should be thinly sliced for the stir-fry.
Do I need to save the pineapple juice?
Yes, drain the 20-ounce can of pineapple chunks and reserve the juice to use as the base for the sauce.
How much liquid is needed for the sauce base?
You need 1 1/3 cups of liquid total, which is made by adding water to the reserved pineapple juice.
What sauces are added to the pineapple juice mixture?
The mixture includes white vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, and ketchup.
How do I thicken the pineapple sauce?
Whisk cornstarch and brown sugar together, then gradually stir in the juice mixture and boil until thickened.
How much brown sugar is required?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar.
What kind of oil should I use for stir-frying?
Use 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as toddler-friendly and a hit for picky eaters due to the sweet sauce and tender chicken.
When do I add the pineapple chunks to the pan?
Add the reserved pineapple chunks after the sauce has simmered for 2 minutes and thickened.
How long do the pineapple chunks simmer in the sauce?
Simmer the chunks uncovered for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until heated through.
How is the chicken cooked before adding it to the sauce?
The popcorn chicken is prepared in the microwave according to the package instructions.
How do I finish the dish?
Gently stir the microwaved chicken into the pineapple and vegetable mixture until it is well-coated.
What are some recommended side dishes?
This dish pairs well with egg drop soup and fried rice.
Is this recipe good for leftovers?
Yes, the recipe provides generous portions that are ideal for leftovers.
Can I use a wok for this recipe?
Yes, a large skillet or a wok can be used to heat the oil and cook the ingredients.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of white vinegar.
How much soy sauce is needed?
Use 2 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce for the sauce mixture.
What is the role of cornstarch in this recipe?
Two tablespoons of cornstarch are used to thicken the sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients listed for this dish.
Can this be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it is perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a quick weeknight dinner.
How much ketchup is in the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of ketchup.
Do I simmer the sauce covered or uncovered?
The sauce should be simmered uncovered once the pineapple chunks are added.
What temperature should I use to stir-fry?
The vegetable oil should be heated over medium-high heat.
What size can of pineapple is needed?
A 20-ounce can of pineapple chunks is used for this recipe.
Is the chicken fried in the skillet?
No, the chicken is microwaved separately and then tossed in the sauce at the end.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The small onion should be thinly sliced before being added to the stir-fry.