Pin it
This Spicy Pineapple Chicken Meal Prep is a vibrant and zesty dish that brings a burst of tropical sunshine to your weekly meals. It's a one pan wonder that balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes, making it a meal you'll look forward to.
Ingredients
- Soy sauce: This provides the savory umami base of the marinade, adding depth and richness.
- Pineapple juice: Extracted from canned pineapple, this adds a sweet and tangy element to the marinade.
- Chili sauce: This adds a kick of heat and a touch of sweetness, balancing the other flavors.
- Minced garlic: This provides a pungent and aromatic base to the marinade.
- Grated fresh ginger: This adds a warm and slightly spicy note, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Red pepper flakes: These add an extra layer of heat, allowing you to customize the spice level.
- Skinless and boneless chicken thighs: These provide a tender and juicy source of protein.
- Olive oil: This is used for cooking the aromatics and chicken, adding a subtle richness.
- Sliced white onion: This adds a sweet and savory base to the stir fry.
- Sliced jalapeño: This adds a fresh and fiery kick, complementing the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Drained pineapple chunks: These add a burst of sweetness and a chewy texture to the stir fry.
- Salt: This enhances the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
- Sliced green onion: This adds a fresh and vibrant garnish, as well as a subtle onion flavor.
Pin it
Cooking Instructions
- Preparing the marinade:
- Begin by draining the canned pineapple chunks, reserving the juice in a separate container. In a medium sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, reserved pineapple juice, chili sauce, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk the marinade ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined.
- Marinating the chicken:
- Cut the skinless and boneless chicken thighs into bite sized cubes. Add the cubed chicken thighs to the prepared marinade, ensuring that they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
- Cooking the aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the sliced white onion and sliced jalapeño to the skillet. Cook the onion and jalapeño for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the onion begins to soften.
- Cooking the chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken and the remaining marinade to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium high and cook the chicken for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it is fully cooked through and no longer pink.
- Adding pineapple and finishing:
- Add the drained pineapple chunks and salt to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the pineapple chunks have softened slightly. Sprinkle the sliced green onion over the stir fry before serving.
- Meal Prep:
- Serve with white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adding Variety:
- Add bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas to the stir fry for added vegetables and nutrients.
- For a sweeter twist, add a drizzle of honey or a splash of maple syrup to the stir fry.
- For a nuttier flavor add cashews.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stir fry over a bed of fluffy white rice or nutritious brown rice.
For a low carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or quinoa.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables.
This dish is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Variations
- Substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili sauce, red pepper flakes, or jalapeño.
- Experiment with different vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of sesame oil to the stir fry before serving.
Pin it
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover stir fry in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Reheat the stir fry in a skillet or microwave until it is heated through. If reheating in a pan, add a small amount of water to keep the chicken moist.
The flavors of the stir fry tend to meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
This Spicy Pineapple Chicken Meal Prep is a versatile and healthy dish that's perfect for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for thighs in this recipe. Since chicken breast is leaner, it can dry out more easily, so you might want to reduce the cooking time to 8-12 minutes. The pineapple juice in the marinade helps tenderize the meat, which is particularly beneficial for chicken breast. For best results, don't skip the marinating time and be careful not to overcook.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
- This recipe is moderately spicy with one jalapeño and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. To make it milder, remove the seeds from the jalapeño or substitute with half a bell pepper for the flavor without the heat. For a spicier version, keep the jalapeño seeds, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon, or add a minced Thai chili. You can also adjust the amount of chili sauce to your preference.
- → Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
- Absolutely! You can use fresh pineapple instead of canned. You'll need about 1 1/2 cups of pineapple chunks and 4 tablespoons of 100% pineapple juice. Fresh pineapple contains more active enzymes that tenderize meat, so you might find that your chicken becomes even more tender. Just be careful not to marinate for more than 30 minutes with fresh pineapple juice as it can make the meat too soft.
- → Is this recipe gluten-free?
- This recipe is not gluten-free as written due to the soy sauce, which contains wheat. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the regular soy sauce with tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- → What other vegetables would work well in this dish?
- This stir-fry is very adaptable! Try adding bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli florets, or water chestnuts for extra crunch and nutrition. For a more substantial meal prep, consider adding steamed edamame or thinly sliced carrots. Add harder vegetables at the same time as the onions, and add more delicate vegetables like snap peas when you add the pineapple to avoid overcooking.