Spicy Pineapple Chicken - Paleo, Whole30

This Spicy Pineapple Chicken is a one-pan dish that is loaded with sweet & spicy flavor. Tender chicken, crisp peppers and juicy pineapple are cooked in a perfect asian inspired sauce. Serve over rice (or cauliflower rice) for a delicious healthy meal that packs a punch!

*Originally published 2018; recipe & post updated 12/2020

What You Need:

• Chicken Thighs
• Coconut Aminos - this is a Whole30 compliant alternative to soy sauce. If not doing a round, you can use Tamari (gluten free soy sauce) as well
• Pineapple Juice & Chunks
• Hot Sauce - use Frank's for Whole30 or sriracha if not doing a round
• Lime Juice
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Pepper Flakes
• Jalapeno
• Bell Peppers
• Arrowroot Flour - this is a Whole30 compliant thickener. Can also use cornstarch if not doing a round.

Let's Cook:

1. Make the sauce by adding the coconut aminos, pineapple juice, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic, ginger and pepper flakes to a bowl. Whisk to combine.
2. Use sharp kitchen shears to cube your chicken thighs. Season with some salt and pepper. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat. Brown the chicken for 4-5 minutes and then set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add a little more oil. Then add the bell peppers, red onion and jalapeño. Sauté for 3 minutes. Then the chicken gets added back in with the drained pineapple. Cook for 3 minutes.
4. Pour the sauce into the skillet. Make a slurry of arrowroot starch and water and add to the skillet. Bring sauce to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
5. When done, serve over cauliflower rice (for Whole30) or regular rice (not Whole30) and top with fresh green onions.

Updates to the Recipe:

• The original recipe uses the sauce as a marinade, but I found using it as a thickened sauce to coat everything gives even more flavor in each bite
• The chicken is seasoned with salt and pepper and browned in the new recipe. This adds flavor and gives the chicken better texture
• I added bell peppers to the dish to add texture, color and flavor

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