Raspberry-Pineapple Chicken Nibbles 🍍🍗🍓
Imagine biting into a tender piece of chicken that’s been sautéed to a perfect golden brown, then enveloped in a sweet and tangy sauce of raspberry preserves and chili, punctuated by juicy pineapple chunks. These delightful Raspberry-Pineapple Chicken Nibbles are an absolute crowd-pleaser, combining the savory richness of chicken with the vibrant flavors of fruit and spices. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a simple family meal, these nibbles are quick to prepare and can be easily kept warm in a crockpot for extended enjoyment.
Preparation and Cooking Time ⏰
| Task | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 mins |
| Cook Time | 15 mins |
| Total Time | 30 mins |
Recipe Description 🌟
If you’re searching for a finger food that melds the succulent essence of chicken with the delightful burst of fruity sweetness, your quest ends here! These nibbles are not only delectable but also versatile enough to be maintained warm in a crockpot, ensuring that they remain the star of your event from the first bite to the last.
Recipe Category 🥘
Chicken
Keywords 📚
Poultry, Meat, < 30 Mins, Stove Top
Nutrition Facts 🍽️
- Calories: 58.3 kcal
- Fat Content: 0.8 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol Content: 11 mg
- Sodium Content: 90.8 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 7.8 g
- Fiber Content: 0.5 g
- Sugar Content: 5.7 g
- Protein Content: 4.6 g
Ingredients 🛒
To make these mouthwatering Raspberry-Pineapple Chicken Nibbles, you will need:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – 2 pieces
- Fresh ground pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Chili sauce – 2 tablespoons
- Pineapple chunks – 1 cup
- Raspberry preserves – 1 cup (if seedless raspberry preserves are unavailable, refer to the note below)
Instructions 👩🍳👨🍳
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Season the Chicken: Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle the pieces generously with fresh ground pepper to enhance their flavor.
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Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, pour in a tablespoon of oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering but not smoking, indicating it’s ready for cooking.
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Saute the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot oil. Saute them, stirring and tossing frequently, until they achieve a light golden-brown color, which should take about 5 minutes. This step ensures that the chicken is cooked through and has a pleasant texture.
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Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the raspberry preserves and chili sauce to the pan. Stir the mixture thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. The combination of sweet and spicy will begin to meld together, creating a deliciously fragrant sauce.
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Simmer: Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes. This simmering period is crucial as it allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken pieces deeply, making every bite flavorful.
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Add Pineapple: Finally, add the pineapple chunks to the pan. Cook the mixture for an additional 1-2 minutes, just enough to heat the pineapple through without overcooking it. The pineapple should retain its juiciness and provide a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken and sauce.
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Serve: Transfer the chicken nibbles to a serving dish. If you want to keep them warm for an extended period, transfer them to a crockpot set on low. Serve these delightful bites with toothpicks and cocktail napkins, making them easy to enjoy as finger food.
Chef’s Note 🍴
If you are unable to find seedless raspberry preserves, don’t fret! You can make your own smooth raspberry sauce by heating regular raspberry jam over low heat. Stir it continuously until the jam melts into a smooth, liquid consistency. Then, strain the melted jam through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds. This method ensures that your sauce remains silky and free from any unwanted texture.
Additional Tips and Serving Suggestions 🍽️
- Versatility: These nibbles are perfect for a wide range of occasions, from casual family dinners to more formal parties and gatherings. Their sweet and tangy profile makes them appealing to both kids and adults.
- Keeping Warm: If you’re hosting a party, consider using a crockpot to keep the chicken warm. This way, guests can enjoy warm nibbles throughout the event without the need to reheat.
- Garnishing: For an extra touch of color and flavor, consider garnishing the nibbles with finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. The fresh herbs add a burst of freshness that complements the rich sauce.
- Pairing: These nibbles pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or even over a bed of rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal.
- Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely because they’re so delicious!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Variations to Try 🎉
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and try out different variations:
- Spicy Twist: If you enjoy a bit more heat, add a finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the raspberry and chili sauce mixture.
- Tropical Fusion: Swap out the pineapple for mango or peach chunks for a different fruity twist that adds a unique flavor profile.
- Crockpot Version: For an even more hands-off approach, you can cook the chicken nibbles entirely in a crockpot. Start by browning the chicken pieces in a frying pan, then transfer them to a crockpot. Add the raspberry preserves, chili sauce, and pineapple chunks, and cook on low for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Final Thoughts 💭
These Raspberry-Pineapple Chicken Nibbles are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes each bite an explosion of taste, while the quick preparation time ensures that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the food and company. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a festive gathering, or just because you’re craving something delicious, these nibbles are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy! 🥳🍗🍍
