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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