Description
This Baked Pineapple Chicken Bowl recipe combines tender chunks of chicken coated in a crispy cornstarch and egg batter, cooked to a golden finish, and baked in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, and optional Sriracha for a hint of heat, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors perfect for a family meal or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade & Sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (optional)
Chicken Coating & Cooking
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups diced pineapple (canned or fresh)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly oil a 9×13 baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and Sriracha if using. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken chunks with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in cornstarch to coat the chicken evenly, ensuring a crispy texture after frying.
- Dip in Eggs: Working one piece at a time, dip chicken chunks into the beaten eggs, allowing excess egg to drip off before cooking.
- Brown Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chicken pieces in batches and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer browned chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the browned chicken and diced pineapple into the prepared baking dish. Pour the pineapple juice mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and liquid has thickened slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of Sriracha or add red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh pineapple for a brighter, fresher flavor; canned pineapple works well too.
- Make sure chicken chunks are evenly coated with cornstarch and egg for a crispy texture.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
