Whiskey Pineapple Chicken is a tantalizing dish that perfectly combines the smoky depth of whiskey with the sweet tanginess of pineapple, resulting in a flavor-packed meal that’s sure to impress. This dish features chicken breasts marinated in a whiskey-pineapple mixture, then grilled or baked to perfection. The marinade not only infuses the chicken with incredible flavors but also tenderizes it, ensuring each bite is juicy and delicious. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a new chicken recipe to spice up your meal rotation, Whiskey Pineapple Chicken is a standout choice that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
Why You’ll Love Whiskey Pineapple Chicken
- Unique Flavor Combination: The whiskey and pineapple create a marinade that’s both bold and refreshing.
- Versatile Cooking Options: This dish can be easily adapted for grilling, baking, or even pan-frying.
- Impressive yet Easy: While the flavors are complex, the preparation is straightforward and manageable for cooks of all levels.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Its unique taste and elegant presentation make it ideal for special occasions.
Ingredients Notes
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for absorbing the marinade and cooking evenly.
- Whiskey: Adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish. You can use bourbon for a sweeter note.
- Pineapple Juice: Provides acidity and sweetness, tenderizing the chicken and adding a tropical flair.
- Soy Sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to the marinade, balancing the sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances the marinade’s sweetness, complementing the whiskey and pineapple flavors.
- Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger add depth and a slight kick to the overall taste.
- Optional Add-ins: Consider including red pepper flakes for heat or cilantro for a fresh, herby finish.
Recipe Steps
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together whiskey, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook using your preferred method:
- For Grilling: Grill over medium heat until cooked through, turning once.
- For Baking: Bake in a preheated oven until the chicken is fully cooked.
- For Pan-Frying: Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
- Reduce the Marinade (Optional): While the chicken cooks, pour the remaining marinade into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer until thickened, creating a sauce to drizzle over the cooked chicken.
- Serve: Garnish the chicken with sliced green onions or cilantro before serving. Pair with rice, vegetables, or your favorite sides.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the oven or on the stove to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve texture.
How to Make Whiskey Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 4, boneless and skinless
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Whiskey: 1/2 cup (use a good quality whiskey for the best flavor)
- Pineapple juice: 1 cup (fresh or from a can)
- Brown sugar: 1/4 cup
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (mixed with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry)
- Pineapple chunks: 1 cup (fresh or canned)
- Green onions: for garnish, chopped
- Sesame seeds: for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the whiskey carefully (away from any open flame) and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Pineapple:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, along with the pineapple chunks. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to reheat and the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
