There’s something truly special about the combination of sweet and savory flavors in a stir-fry, and this Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is the perfect example of that delicious harmony. Juicy chunks of pineapple mingle with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce to create a dish that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying.
This dish has a way of transporting you to a tropical paradise with every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner or a dish that feels a little special, this stir-fry is a fantastic choice. It’s packed with color, texture, and flavor, and the best part? It comes together in just about 30 minutes!
If you’ve ever ordered pineapple chicken at a restaurant and wished you could recreate it at home, you’re in luck. This version is easy, customizable, and healthier than takeout, plus it’s made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a meal the whole family will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Healthy & Fresh – Uses simple, wholesome ingredients with no heavy sauces.
- Sweet & Savory – The combination of pineapple and soy sauce creates an irresistible balance of flavors.
- Customizable – Swap out veggies based on what you have on hand or make it spicier with chili flakes!
- Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers store well and make a delicious lunch the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 teaspoons water)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving:
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure everything is prepped and ready to go. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, slice the bell peppers, julienne the carrots, and mince the garlic and ginger. If you’re using fresh pineapple, cut it into small chunks. Stir-fries cook quickly, so having everything ready will make the process smooth!
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). This sauce will thicken as it cooks, coating the chicken and veggies beautifully. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the mix. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the garlic and ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still have a bit of crunch.
Step 5: Add the Pineapple & Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the pineapple chunks. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to blend. The pineapple will release some of its natural juices, adding a slight caramelization to the stir-fry.
Step 6: Pour in the Sauce
Give the sauce a final stir and pour it over the stir-fry. Toss everything together, making sure the chicken and vegetables are well-coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Serve your Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry over a bed of steamed rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy it hot and fresh!
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Pineapple for Best Flavor – While canned pineapple works in a pinch, fresh pineapple brings out the best natural sweetness.
- Don’t Overcook the Veggies – Stir-frying is all about keeping the vegetables crisp-tender, so don’t let them get too soft.
- Make It Spicy – Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
- Swap the Protein – You can easily replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef for variety.
- Thicken the Sauce – If your sauce isn’t thick enough, let it simmer for an extra minute or add a bit more cornstarch slurry.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Notes
- Adjust the Sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey slightly or use unsweetened pineapple. Conversely, if you love a sweeter sauce, add a bit more honey or a splash of fresh pineapple juice.
- For Extra Crispiness – If you like crispy chicken, lightly coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch before cooking. This creates a slightly crunchy texture while keeping the chicken tender inside.
- Control the Sauce Consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or low-sodium chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
- Vegetable Variations – Feel free to swap in other vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn based on what you have on hand.
- Make It a One-Pan Meal – If you want to cut down on dishes, cook the chicken first, then push it to the side of the pan while stir-frying the vegetables before mixing everything together.
- Double the Recipe for Meal Prep – This dish stores well for a few days, so consider making extra for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm up in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, or microwave in short intervals.
- Freezing: This stir-fry isn’t ideal for freezing because of the pineapple and vegetables, which may become watery upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, just follow the steps, and dinner will be ready in minutes.
What can I serve with this stir-fry?
Rice is the classic pairing, but you can also serve it with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even noodles for a fun twist.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! If using frozen veggies, make sure to thaw and pat them dry before stir-frying to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry, you might also love:
- Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken
- Panda Express Sweet Fire Chicken Copycat
- Sweet and Sour Cauliflower
- Hibachi Chicken: A Restaurant-Style Delight at Home
Conclusion
This Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is proof that a quick and easy dinner can also be bursting with flavor. With its balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that make it a healthier alternative to takeout.
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Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry
Description
There’s something truly special about the combination of sweet and savory flavors in a stir-fry, and this Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is the perfect example of that delicious harmony. Juicy chunks of pineapple mingle with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce to create a dish that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying.
This dish has a way of transporting you to a tropical paradise with every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner or a dish that feels a little special, this stir-fry is a fantastic choice. It’s packed with color, texture, and flavor, and the best part? It comes together in just about 30 minutes!
If you’ve ever ordered pineapple chicken at a restaurant and wished you could recreate it at home, you’re in luck. This version is easy, customizable, and healthier than takeout, plus it’s made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 teaspoons water)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving:
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Before you start cooking, make sure everything is prepped and ready to go. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, slice the bell peppers, julienne the carrots, and mince the garlic and ginger. If you’re using fresh pineapple, cut it into small chunks. Stir-fries cook quickly, so having everything ready will make the process smooth!
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). This sauce will thicken as it cooks, coating the chicken and veggies beautifully. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the mix. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the garlic and ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still have a bit of crunch.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the pineapple chunks. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to blend. The pineapple will release some of its natural juices, adding a slight caramelization to the stir-fry.
Give the sauce a final stir and pour it over the stir-fry. Toss everything together, making sure the chicken and vegetables are well-coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
Serve your Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry over a bed of steamed rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy it hot and fresh!
Notes
- Adjust the Sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey slightly or use unsweetened pineapple. Conversely, if you love a sweeter sauce, add a bit more honey or a splash of fresh pineapple juice.
- For Extra Crispiness – If you like crispy chicken, lightly coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch before cooking. This creates a slightly crunchy texture while keeping the chicken tender inside.
- Control the Sauce Consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or low-sodium chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
- Vegetable Variations – Feel free to swap in other vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn based on what you have on hand.
- Make It a One-Pan Meal – If you want to cut down on dishes, cook the chicken first, then push it to the side of the pan while stir-frying the vegetables before mixing everything together.
- Double the Recipe for Meal Prep – This dish stores well for a few days, so consider making extra for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
