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Polynesian Chicken

Servings

4

Serving size

4 ounces chicken with sauce
COOKING TIME
20 Minutes
CHILLING TIME
2 hours

AND

Polynesian Chicken

Ingredients

3 Tbsp. Low sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari sauce)
1 clove Garlic, raw (minced)
1 tsp. Ground ginger
1 Tbsp. Sesame oil (toasted sesame oil is best)
6 ounces Pineapple (diced)
16 ounces Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1/2 inch strips)

Instructions

Place the soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, oil and 2 ounces of the pineapple in a blender or mini-chopper.

Process until smooth.

Place the marinade in a mixing bowl and add the chicken strips.

Fold together gently and chill for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).

When ready to cook, place a large skillet in the oven and preheat to 325°F.

Place the remaining 6 ounces of pineapple chunks in the bowl with the chicken and fold together well.

When the oven is hot, place the chicken and sauce in the skillet.

Toss well and place the pan in the oven. Cook for about 10 minutes.

Stir gently and return to the oven.

Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes.

Serve.

Serve this recipe with one of these starch side dishes.

Coconut Brown Rice

Shake the can of coconut milk very well before opening. (Tip: a can of coconut milk will contain about 1 1/2 cups of coconut milk. Separate the remaining two 1/2 cups of coconut milk into two small ziplock bags and freeze for a later use.) In a medium sauce pan,…

Coconut Rice

Prior to opening the can of coconut milk, shake very well. In a medium sauce pain, heat the coconut milk, water and salt. When the liquid boils, stir in the jasmine rice. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, for 20-30 minutes. Do not boil away all of the…

Coconut Rice – Low Sodium Version

Prior to opening the can of coconut milk, shake very well. In a medium sauce pain, heat the coconut milk, water and salt. When the liquid boils, stir in the jasmine rice. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, for 20-30 minutes. Do not boil away all of the…

Jasmine Rice

In a medium sauce pan, heat the water and salt. When the water boils, stir in the jasmine rice. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, for about 20-30 minutes. Do not boil away all of the liquid and do not stir the rice. When a very small amount…

AND

Serve this recipe with one of these vegetable side dishes.

Cucumbers in Yogurt with Mint

Peel the cucumbers and then slice in half lengthwise. Scrape the seeds out of the center. Using a grater coarsely shred the cucumber. After it is shredded place the cucumber in your hands and squeeze gently over the sink to remove excess water. Combine the shredded cucumber, yogurt, shallot, mint,…

Thai Cucumber Salad

Combine the rice vinegar, lime zest, Tabasco Z-sweet, red onion, cucumber slices, and cilantro leaves in a glass or stainless steel bowl. You can add the peanuts now and let them marinate. They will be slightly chewy, but I prefer to sprinkle them over the top of the salad right…

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Special Diet Information

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GERD / Acid Reflux

No specific GERD triggers.

Lactose

This recipe is safe for those who are lactose intolerant.

Coumadin® (Warfarin)

This recipe is safe for Coumadin (warfarin) users.

Gluten Sensitivity

This recipe is safe for those who are sensitive to gluten.

Sodium

This is not a low sodium recipe.

Recipe Notes

This is a classic comfort food recipe. There really is no such thing as Polynesian Chicken and it really has nothing to do with Polynesia. It is more of an invention that has been served in Asian restaurants in the US since the 50s and 60s.

The key is getting the balance of sweet, salty, and savory just right. A lot of recipes call for honey, but the pureed pineapple is more than sweet enough and perfectly balances the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.

The marinade will also act as a tenderizing agent and not only will the chicken be tender but the savory flavor balances the dish perfectly.

"He is the very pineapple of politeness!"

Richard Brinsley Sheridan, Playwright