Sizzling Sweet & Tangy Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Tropical breezes and zesty pineapple chicken stir-fry dance together in a culinary adventure that promises excitement.
Sweet chunks of golden fruit mingle with tender meat, creating an irresistible flavor profile.
Saucy and vibrant, this dish whisks you straight to island-inspired comfort.
Spices weave magic through each perfectly caramelized bite, promising satisfaction in mere minutes.
Quick weeknight meals rarely look this impressive or taste so delightful.
Bold flavors combine effortlessly, challenging any notion of boring dinner routines.
Hunger calls – let’s make something extraordinary that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry: Your Questions Answered
Yes, thaw the chicken completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure it cooks evenly and develops a nice golden color.
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can adjust the amount or skip them entirely for a milder version, making it kid-friendly and customizable.
White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar work as great substitutes. They’ll provide a similar tangy flavor profile to the stir-fry sauce.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. Double-check all ingredient labels to maintain a gluten-free dish.
Flavor & Balance in Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry
Inside Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry: Ingredient List
Protein Ingredients:Vegetable Ingredients:Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:Stirring Up Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry
Step 1: Marinate Chicken
Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Combine chicken with:Let sit while preparing other ingredients.
Step 2: Create Zesty Sauce
Whisk together in a bowl:Add cornstarch to thicken sauce.
Step 3: Sear Golden Chicken
Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
Cook marinated chicken until edges turn golden and center is fully cooked.
Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Sizzle Colorful Vegetables
In same pan, add additional oil if needed.
Quickly stir-fry:Toss pineapple chunks into the mixture.
Step 5: Bring Everything Together
Return chicken to the pan.
Pour sauce over ingredients.
Stir continuously until sauce thickens and coats everything.
Step 6: Garnish and Plate
Sprinkle with:Serve over steamed rice.
Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Tips You’ll Appreciate
Keeping Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Delicious
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Mix-Ins for Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Fans
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Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Sweet and tangy pineapple chicken stir-fry brings tropical island flavors to your dinner table. Juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple chunks, and crisp vegetables dance together in a zesty sauce that will transport you to a culinary paradise.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Fruits:
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks (drained if canned)
- ½ cup snap peas (optional)
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Sauce and Seasonings:
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice or brown rice
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce and cornstarch for 5-10 minutes, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Create the stir-fry sauce by blending pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Incorporate cornstarch into the sauce to develop a smooth, thickening consistency, then set aside for later use.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high temperature, allowing the surface to become hot and glossy.
- Cook the marinated chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and reach full doneness, approximately 4-5 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Add additional oil to the same pan if needed, maintaining the cooking temperature.
- Introduce bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pan, stir-frying quickly to preserve their vibrant colors and crisp texture.
- Gently fold in pineapple chunks, allowing them to warm through and slightly caramelize for about 30 seconds.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, reuniting all ingredients.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, continuously stirring to ensure even coating and sauce thickening.
- Allow the sauce to reduce and coat the ingredients for 1-2 minutes, creating a glossy, flavorful finish.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions as a final garnish for added texture and visual appeal.
- Transfer the completed stir-fry to a serving dish with steamed jasmine or brown rice, ready to be enjoyed immediately.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally 15-30 minutes for maximum taste absorption.
- Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stir-fry.
- Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, pressing tofu beforehand to remove excess moisture.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and make the dish more diet-friendly for those watching sodium intake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Jessica Martinez
Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography
Education
Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)
Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.
She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.