Pollo en Salsa de Piña y Cilantro
A vibrant and flavorful chicken dish featuring a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce infused with fresh cilantro, offering a delightful tropical taste.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 cups Fresh pineapple(diced)
- 0.5 medium Yellow onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 0.75 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 0.5 cup Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure even coating for consistent flavor. - 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
In a blender, combine diced pineapple, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and chicken broth. Blend until smooth.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust lime juice if needed. - 6
Pour the pineapple mixture into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
💡 Tip: This deglazing process adds extra flavor. - 7
Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 8
Stir in the remaining fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
💡 Tip: Add cilantro at the end to preserve its fresh flavor and color. - 9
Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro. This dish pairs well with white rice.
💡 Tip: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add a nice textural contrast.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- ✓If fresh pineapple is unavailable, canned pineapple chunks (drained) can be used, but adjust sweetness as needed.
- ✓Ensure the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked to maintain tenderness.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add bell peppers (red or green) along with the onions for added color and texture.
- Substitute chicken breast for thighs, adjusting cooking time to prevent dryness.
- For a richer sauce, a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry can be used to thicken it further.