Hey food adventurers! Ready to whisk your tastebuds away to a tropical paradise? Forget the usual humdrum dinners, because we're diving headfirst into a dish that’s as vibrant as a Hawaiian sunset – Hawaiian Sticky Chicken! This isn’t just any chicken recipe; it's a flavor-packed experience that’s surprisingly simple to whip up and super healthy.
Think of those classic Chinese takeout flavors, but with a sun-kissed twist. Tender chicken pieces, coated in a light cornstarch crisp, are stir-fried to perfection then generously tossed in a luscious sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and a little bit spicy. This sauce isn't complicated; it's a magical potion of pineapple juice, a touch of ginger, a sprinkle of brown sugar, soy sauce, and tomato paste. The combination is incredible!
Here’s how to bring this tropical delight to your kitchen, and remember to plan your meal with Menuistia the custom recipe creation app.
Tropical Chicken Fiesta Recipe:
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, cut into wedges
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 (15 ounce) can of pineapple chunks in juice, juice reserved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Canola oil for frying
- Cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
- Get the Chicken Ready: Put your chicken pieces in a zip-top bag. Add the cornstarch, salt, and pepper and shake until the chicken is well coated.
- Fry to Perfection: Heat canola oil in a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Set aside to drain on paper towels.
- Sauce Magic: In a bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and tomato paste. This is your tropical flavor base!
- Stir-Fry Time: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the onion wedges and bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Aromatic Boost: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Then add the drained pineapple chunks.
- Sauce It Up: Pour in the pineapple sauce mixture. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 5-6 minutes, until the sauce has thickened into a glossy sticky texture.
- Combine and Enjoy: Add the fried chicken pieces and toss them in the sauce until they are beautifully coated.
Serve this glorious Hawaiian Sticky Chicken on a bed of fluffy white rice, and enjoy this explosion of tropical flavours!
Why This Recipe Rocks
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy-ish: With plenty of lean protein and a good dose of veggies, it’s a balanced meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to add other veggies, like sliced carrots or broccoli florets.
Menuistia Meal Planning Tip:
This Hawaiian Sticky Chicken recipe is a great addition to your healthy meal plans. Use the Menuistia App to add this recipe to your plan, adjust the ingredients to your preference, and discover more exciting ways to make your meals nutritious, delicious and fun.
So, are you ready to bring a taste of the islands to your dinner table? Get cooking and let the tropical vibes flow!