Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is a colorful, sweet-and-savory dish bursting with juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and tangy pineapple in a glossy stir-fry sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights and brings tropical flavor to your table with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy — done in under 30 minutes
• Balanced flavors: sweet pineapple, savory sauce, tender chicken
• Packed with veggies and protein
• One-pan clean-up
• Great with rice, noodles, or on its own

Ingredients

this Recipe

(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
• Salt and pepper
• Cornstarch (for coating the chicken)
• Oil (vegetable or sesame)
• Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
• Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained if canned)
• Onion, sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, minced (optional but recommended)

For the stir-fry sauce:

• Soy sauce
• Pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
• Honey or brown sugar
• Rice vinegar or white vinegar
• Cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)

Directions

1. Prep the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper, then toss with cornstarch until lightly coated.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Stir-fry bell peppers and onion for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Add garlic and ginger, and stir for 30 seconds.
4. Add Pineapple: Stir in pineapple chunks and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
5. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, vinegar, and cornstarch.
6. Combine Everything: Return chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir until everything is coated. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened and glossy.
7. Serve: Serve hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or sriracha.
• Extra veggies: Add broccoli, snap peas, zucchini, or carrots.
• Coconut flavor twist: Use coconut oil for cooking and stir in a splash of coconut milk.
• Cashew chicken style: Add roasted cashews for a nutty crunch.
• Vegan version: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, just drain it well and save the juice for the sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it in at the end when the sauce is simmering to warm through.

What’s the best rice for serving?

White rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice all work great.

How do I keep the veggies crisp?

Cook them over high heat and for a short time to keep them vibrant and crisp.

Can I freeze pineapple chicken stir-fry?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

What oil works best?

Vegetable oil, sesame oil, or even avocado oil are great for stir-frying.

Can I prep this in advance?

Yes, chop all your ingredients and mix the sauce ahead of time for quick cooking.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Cornstarch in the sauce will thicken it as it cooks. Simmer until glossy and thick.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger pan or wok to keep everything cooking evenly.

Conclusion

Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is a fast, fresh, and flavorful meal that brings a tropical twist to your dinner table. With juicy chicken, bright vegetables, and sweet pineapple in every bite, it’s a go-to recipe for when you want something easy, healthy, and full of flavor. Serve it up hot, and enjoy a homemade takeout-style dish that’s better than the real thing.

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