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
- Prepare the Sauce In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
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!
For the Stir-Fry:
For the Pineapple Stir-Fry Sauce:
For Serving:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- 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:
- In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- 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:
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
- Stir-fry bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, garlic, and ginger for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add pineapple chunks and toss for another 30 seconds.
5. Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Pour in the stir-fry sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice.
- 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.
