Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is a sweet and savory dish packed with juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and tangy pineapple chunks, all tossed in a flavorful stir-fry sauce. This quick and easy meal is perfect for weeknights and delivers a delicious balance of flavors with every bite. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Sweet and Savory Balance – The combination of pineapple and soy sauce creates an irresistible flavor.
  • Healthy and Nutritious – Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
  • Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your preferences.
  • Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats well for easy lunches.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green, sliced)
  • Onion (sliced)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Ginger (grated)
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey or brown sugar
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Cornstarch (for thickening)
  • Vegetable oil
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Sauce – In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken – Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables – In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry bell peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Add Pineapple and Sauce – Return the chicken to the pan, then add pineapple chunks and the prepared sauce. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Serve and Garnish – Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Version – Add Sriracha or more red pepper flakes.
  • Low-Sodium Option – Use low-sodium soy sauce.
  • Vegetarian Version – Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms.
  • Extra Crunch – Toss in cashews or peanuts before serving.
  • Different Protein – Try shrimp or beef instead of chicken.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
  • Freezing: Freeze without rice for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple?

Yes, just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

What’s the best way to cut chicken for stir-fry?

Slice it into thin, even strips for quick and even cooking.

Can I make this without cornstarch?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can use arrowroot powder as a substitute.

What can I serve with this stir-fry?

Rice, noodles, or a side of steamed broccoli pairs well.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Carrots, snap peas, or zucchini work great.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, just drain the juice before adding it to the stir-fry.

How do I keep the chicken tender?

Don’t overcook it—searing quickly on high heat helps keep it juicy.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes! The flavors develop even more after sitting for a day.

What’s a good substitute for soy sauce?

Tamari or coconut aminos work as gluten-free alternatives.

Conclusion

Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings the perfect balance of sweetness and savory goodness to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a fresh and delicious homemade stir-fry!

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Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Description

This Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors! Juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and sweet pineapple chunks are tossed in a delicious homemade stir-fry sauce. It’s an easy 30-minute meal that’s great for a quick weeknight dinner!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red, green, or yellow)
  • 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks (drained if canned)
  • 1/2 cup snap peas (optional)
  • 1 small carrot, julienned
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

For the Pineapple Stir-Fry Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Serving:

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice or brown rice
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

 



Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

  1. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Let marinate for 5-10 minutes.

2. Make the Sauce:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add marinated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

  1. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
  2. Stir-fry bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, garlic, and ginger for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  3. Add pineapple chunks and toss for another 30 seconds.

5. Combine Everything:

  1. Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
  2. Pour in the stir-fry sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
  3. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

6. Serve & Enjoy:

  1. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice.
  2. Enjoy a sweet, tangy, and savory stir-fry in under 30 minutes!

Notes

  • Protein Swap: Try shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken.
  • More Veggies: Add broccoli, mushrooms, or baby corn.
  • Make It Spicier: Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

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