If you’re searching for a vibrant, weeknight-friendly meal that balances sweet and savory to perfection, this Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is about to become your new staple. Juicy chicken breast, colorful bell peppers, and golden pineapple float together in a garlicky sauce that clings to every bite, making each forkful burst with flavor. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that looks impressive enough for a dinner party but is delightfully easy enough for any busy night. Trust me: once you try it, you’ll want to make this Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is how straightforward yet impactful every ingredient is. Each one plays a vital role in the flavor, texture, or even color of the final dish—a stunning harmony you’ll notice from your very first bite.
- Chicken Breast: Tender and lean, boneless chicken breast cooks up perfectly juicy in a stir-fry setting.
- Vegetable Oil: Neutral in flavor, this lets all the bold ingredients shine while keeping everything from sticking to your pan.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds a brilliant pop of color and sweet crunch, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor.
- Green Bell Pepper: Brings a mild earthiness and fresh contrast to balance the sweetness.
- Pineapple Chunks: Use fresh or canned—either way, the juicy bursts of sweetness will steal the show.
- Garlic: Essential for that aromatic lift, garlic gives the stir-fry its crave-worthy depth.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger brings a subtle kick and warmth that really wakes up the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: The backbone of the umami-forward sauce, tying everything together.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a gorgeous glossiness to the finished stir-fry.
- Rice Vinegar: A splash ensures the sauce has just the right amount of tang to balance the honey and pineapple.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce so it perfectly coats every piece of chicken and veggie.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a hint of heat; add more or less to suit your spice level.
- Cooked White or Brown Rice: The classic base for serving, soak up all that golden sauce.
- Sliced Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: A bright, nutty finish that makes every serving look restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Your Sauce
Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking up the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry. This step lets the flavors meld and ensures your sauce thickens smoothly once it hits the heat. Keep it handy—your taste buds will thank you later!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat up half of your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces and let them sizzle for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until each piece is golden and cooked through. Don’t be afraid to let a little caramelization happen—that’s where so much flavor develops! Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Soften the Veggies
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to your hot skillet, then throw in the sliced red and green bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re just starting to turn tender but still pop with bright color. The goal is to keep that lovely crunch!
Step 4: Fragrant Boost
Push the veggies to one side and add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and (if using) red pepper flakes right to the hot pan. Sauté for a quick 30 seconds—just until fragrant and lively—so the aromatics infuse the oil and veggies. Your kitchen will already smell incredible!
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Slide the chicken back into the skillet along with the juicy pineapple chunks. Give everything a quick toss, then pour in your pre-mixed sauce. Stir well to coat, and let the stir-fry bubble for another 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll see the sauce thicken and glaze all that gorgeous chicken and veg. Serve it up hot over fluffy rice and get ready for some serious dinnertime applause.
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a final flourish! Sprinkle your Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe with sliced green onions and sesame seeds just before serving. The green onion adds a slightly sharp freshness and the sesame seed crunch is both pleasing to the eye and palate.
Side Dishes
While it shines beautifully over steamed white or brown rice, you can branch out and try serving your stir-fry alongside jasmine rice, coconut rice, or even a simple noodle dish like rice vermicelli. A side of steamed broccoli or crisp snap peas can round out the meal—and sneak in some extra veggies, too!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining or just want to elevate weeknight dinner, consider serving the Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a truly tropical flair. For a party, offer it as a filling inside lettuce cups or even as an Asian-inspired taco in warm flour tortillas. It’s a dish that loves to dress up for any occasion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with any extras (though it’s so tasty, this rarely happens), simply transfer leftovers into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors have a chance to meld, making for an even tastier next-day lunch.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Let the stir-fry cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep beautifully for up to 2 months. For the best texture, freeze without the rice and add fresh-cooked rice when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheating couldn’t be easier. Warm the stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and add wonderful depth to the Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe. Just trim them and cut into bite-sized pieces before stir-frying for a little extra flavor and tenderness.
Is fresh pineapple better than canned?
Both work beautifully! Fresh pineapple gives a more vibrant, tangy flavor and keeps its shape better in the stir-fry, but canned pineapple (in juice, not syrup) is super convenient and dependable, especially if pineapples aren’t in season.
How spicy is this dish?
As written, the Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is mild with just a gentle heat from the optional red pepper flakes. Like it hotter? Add sriracha or extra chili flakes to taste. Want it milder? Leave out the red pepper entirely.
Can I make this gluten-free?
It’s easy to make gluten-free! Just substitute a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce, and double-check that your other ingredients (including your rice vinegar) are gluten-free too.
What other vegetables work in this stir-fry?
Feel free to get creative! Snap peas, broccoli florets, snow peas, or even baby corn taste wonderful alongside the other ingredients. This Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is super adaptable to whatever veggies you love or need to use up.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about bringing sweet pineapple and savory chicken together with a handful of fresh, colorful veggies. If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner, you can’t go wrong with this Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe. Give it a try and make it your own—you’ll impress everyone at your table and, most importantly, yourself!
Print
Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry recipe combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and sweet pineapple in a savory Asian-inspired sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- cooked white or brown rice for serving
- sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, prepare the sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet, cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Add remaining oil, bell peppers, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook until tender.
- Combine all: Return chicken to the skillet with pineapple chunks. Pour in the sauce, stir, and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a spicier stir-fry, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
- This dish can also be made with chicken thighs or tofu as a substitute.
- Add snap peas or broccoli for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (without rice)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
