Sweet & Sour Pineapple Braised Chicken Breast
A delightful braised chicken breast dish infused with pineapple.
Experience a wonderfully sweet and tangy braised chicken breast, elevated by the bright flavor of pineapple. This dish offers a unique taste that is both savory and refreshingly fruity, making it a perfect meal.
Main Ingredients- Chicken breast, desired amount (to serve)
- Red bell pepper, 1/2
- Green bell pepper, 1/2
- Onion, 1 medium
- Pineapple chunks, 2 pieces (including juice)
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp
- Cooking oil, as needed
Seasoning- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cooking wine (Mirin), 1 Tbsp
- Dried basil, 1 tsp (optional)
- Soy sauce, 1.5 Tbsp
- Ketchup, 3 Tbsp
- Pineapple juice, approx. 1/2 rice bowl (approx. 100ml)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cooking wine (Mirin), 1 Tbsp
- Dried basil, 1 tsp (optional)
- Soy sauce, 1.5 Tbsp
- Ketchup, 3 Tbsp
- Pineapple juice, approx. 1/2 rice bowl (approx. 100ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the chicken breast. Make deep cross-shaped scores on both sides of the chicken breast. These scores will help the marinade penetrate better, leading to a more flavorful result.
Step 2
To remove any potential gamey odor and to start seasoning, lightly sprinkle salt all over the chicken breast.
Step 3
Add 1 tablespoon of cooking wine (mirin) to further eliminate any odors. Then, generously sprinkle black pepper over the chicken for added aroma and taste.
Step 4
Optionally, add 1 teaspoon of dried basil for an aromatic touch. If you’re not a fan of basil’s distinct flavor, feel free to omit this step.
Step 5
Finely chop the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion. Prepare the pineapple by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Make sure to reserve the pineapple juice, as it plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s signature sweet and tangy sauce. Aim for about half a rice bowl full of juice.
Step 6
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden. Sautéing the garlic well will infuse the oil with its wonderful aroma.
Step 7
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the pan. Stir-fry until the vegetables soften and become slightly translucent. Season lightly with salt at this stage to enhance their natural sweetness.
Step 8
When the vegetables are tender, add the chopped pineapple chunks and the reserved pineapple juice (about half a rice bowl). Let this mixture simmer and bubble gently for about 3 minutes. The pineapple’s natural sweetness and acidity will start to meld with the vegetables.
Step 9
Now, it’s time to add the ketchup, which will contribute to the sauce’s richness and complex flavor. Approximately 3 tablespoons of ketchup, combined with the pineapple juice, will create a wonderfully thick, savory, and zesty sauce. If you desire a saucier consistency or a more pronounced flavor, feel free to add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of ketchup.
Step 10
Add 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce and stir everything together until well combined. This step brings all the delicious sauce ingredients together beautifully.
Step 11
Add the pre-seasoned chicken breast pieces to the pan. Toss them gently to coat evenly with the sauce. If you used basil, its aroma and subtle spice can help mask any lingering gamey scent from the chicken. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken breast is tender and fully cooked. Low and slow is key here.
Step 12
For an extra touch of flavor and aroma, grind some fresh black peppercorns over the dish right before serving.
Step 13
Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through, spoon the simmering sauce over the chicken pieces to glaze them. Simmering it to a stew-like consistency will enhance the flavors. Turn off the heat when the sauce has reduced by about half. As an optional finishing touch, stirring in a bit of curry powder can add a unique and delicious twist to the sauce.