If you loved the lighter version of pineapple chicken I shared before, here’s something for those who miss that classic crispy bite. This one’s for the sweet and sour lovers who don’t mind a little indulgence. Think golden, crunchy chicken coated in tangy pineapple glaze—just like your favorite takeout, but way easier!
Instead of marinating and frying chicken from scratch, we’re taking a genius shortcut: frozen popcorn chicken. It’s quick, crispy, and 100% foolproof. Pair that with a fresh pineapple sauce? Chef’s kiss.
Once you try it, you’ll have a new go-to dish that’s both crowd-pleasing and beginner-friendly.
Ingredients
- Frozen popcorn chicken (enough for a small plate)
- 120g fresh pineapple chunks (use the soft parts, skip the tough core)
- 25g sugar
- 10g white vinegar
- 2g cornstarch
- 30g ketchup
- 20g water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine sugar, vinegar, ketchup, cornstarch, and water. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat a good amount of oil in a pan. Once hot, fry the frozen popcorn chicken until golden brown and super crispy. I like mine extra crunchy. Remove and set aside.
*You can buy popcorn chicken on Amazon.
Step 3: Sauce It Up
Leave a bit of oil at the bottom of the pan, then add the seasoning sauce and pineapple. Cook over low heat until the sauce starts to bubble, then immediately add the fried chicken bites. Turn the heat to high and quickly toss to coat the chicken bites evenly with the sauce. Reduce the sauce until thickened, then kill the heat.
(Optional) Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top and serve hot. So easy. So good.
🔑 Pro Tip: Be quick with the final mix! Don’t let the chicken sit too long in the pan or it’ll lose that crispiness.
✌️ Perfect for: Busy nights • Kids’ lunches • Potluck wins
“Even my picky eater licked the plate!” 😋
(P.S. For a healthier twist, check out this version.) 👇
What to Serve With It
🍚 Classic: Steamed jasmine rice (the ultimate sauce-soaker!)
🥗 Lighter: Cauliflower rice + quick-pickled cucumbers
🍍 Fun twist: Serve in a hollowed pineapple half for a tropical vibe
🥢 Add-ons: Stir-fried snap peas or a crispy Asian slaw
Why This Recipe Works
✅ Frozen popcorn chicken = already perfectly breaded for maximum crispiness (no batter fails!)
✅ Pineapple picks = using soft parts means they caramelize into the sauce naturally
✅ Speed cooking = fry chicken straight from freezer → sauce → toss = under 15 mins
📌 LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
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Quick Fix: 3-Step Chinese Pineapple Chicken (Foolproof!)
1
servings5
minutes10
minutes300
kcal15
Ingredients
Frozen popcorn chicken (enough for a small plate)
120g fresh pineapple chunks (use the soft parts, skip the tough core)
- Sweet & Sour Sauce (mix these first!):
25g sugar
10g white vinegar
2g cornstarch
30g ketchup
20g water
Directions
- Whisk all sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan. Toss in the frozen popcorn chicken and fry until golden and extra crispy.
- Leave just a bit of oil in the pan, then pour in the sauce and pineapple. Simmer over low heat until the sauce starts bubbling—then immediately add the crispy chicken! Crank up the heat to high and toss like your life depends on it, coating every single piece in that glossy glaze. The second the sauce clings perfectly, kill the heat!
Notes
- Speed is everything after adding the chicken. Over-mixing = goodbye crunch.
Nutrition Facts
1 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories420
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
16g
25%
- Saturated Fat 3.5g 18%
- Sodium 680mg 29%
- Potassium 320mg 10%
- Total Carbohydrate
48g
16%
- Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
- Sugars 28g
- Protein 22g 44%
- Vitamin C 35%
- Iron 1.8%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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