Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

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

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, thaw the chicken completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure it cooks evenly and develops a nice golden color.

  • Is this dish spicy?

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.

  • What if I don't have rice vinegar?

White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar work as great substitutes. They’ll provide a similar tangy flavor profile to the stir-fry sauce.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

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

  • Perfect Weeknight Dinner
  • Delicious stir-fry ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families and professionals with limited cooking time.
  • Simple recipe allows swapping vegetables or protein, providing flexibility for different dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.
  • Combines sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and zesty sauce creating a restaurant-quality meal that delights taste buds without complicated techniques.
  • Beginner-friendly recipe with straightforward steps, minimal chopping, and basic stir-frying techniques that guarantee success for home cooks of all levels.

Inside Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry: Ingredient List

Protein Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Tender protein base for the stir-fry, choose boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs for best results.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a light onion flavor and bright color.
  • Sesame Seeds: Nutty topping that provides a delicate crunch and visual appeal.
Vegetable Ingredients:
  • Bell Peppers: Colorful and sweet vegetable that adds crunch and nutrition.
  • Snap Peas: Crisp green vegetable with a fresh, sweet flavor.
  • Carrots: Sweet root vegetable that provides additional texture and color.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that builds a deep flavor foundation.
  • Ginger: Spicy root that adds warmth and depth to the dish.
  • Pineapple Chunks: Sweet and tangy fruit that brings tropical brightness.
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce: Salty umami seasoning that enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Pineapple Juice: Sweet liquid base for the sauce.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the savory elements.
  • Rice Vinegar: Tangy acid that adds brightness to the sauce.
  • Sesame Oil: Rich, nutty oil that provides depth of flavor.
  • Cornstarch: Thickening agent for creating a glossy sauce.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for heat lovers.
  • Cooking Oil: Neutral oil for stir-frying ingredients.

Stirring Up Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Combine chicken with:
  • Soy sauce
  • Cornstarch

Let sit while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Create Zesty Sauce

Whisk together in a bowl:
  • Pineapple juice
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Red pepper flakes

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:
  • Bell peppers
  • Snap peas
  • Carrots
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger

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:
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Serve over steamed rice.

Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Tips You’ll Appreciate

  • Marinate Wisely: Let chicken soak in soy sauce and cornstarch for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
  • Prep Sauce in Advance: Mix sauce ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure balanced flavors.
  • Control Vegetable Crunch: Stir-fry vegetables quickly to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant colors.
  • Adjust Spice Level: Modify red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference without compromising overall taste.
  • Rice Pairing Matters: Choose jasmine or brown rice to complement the sweet and tangy chicken stir-fry perfectly.

Keeping Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Delicious

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, ensuring they remain good for up to 2 months.
  • Warm slightly over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
  • Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst to distribute heat evenly and prevent rubbery chicken texture.

Dishes That Complement Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

  • Select a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer that complements the pineapple's tropical notes and cuts through the dish's richness.
  • Create a zesty pineapple-ginger spritzer using fresh pineapple juice, sparkling water, ginger syrup, and a mint sprig to echo the stir-fry's bright flavors.
  • Choose a light Japanese lager like Sapporo or Asahi, which provides a clean, crisp backdrop that balances the sweet and tangy sauce without overwhelming the delicate chicken and vegetable nuances.
  • Pick a medium-dry junmai sake that harmonizes with the stir-fry's sweet and savory profile, offering a smooth, subtle complexity that enhances each bite.

Mix-Ins for Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Fans

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and cubing the protein before marinating in the same soy sauce mixture for a plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder to maintain the same thickening effect while keeping the dish gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the dish's vibrant flavors.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce to the stir-fry sauce for those who enjoy a more intense heat level, creating a fiery version of the original recipe.
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Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 33 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Prepare the chicken by marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce and cornstarch for 5-10 minutes, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
  2. Create the stir-fry sauce by blending pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
  3. Incorporate cornstarch into the sauce to develop a smooth, thickening consistency, then set aside for later use.
  4. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high temperature, allowing the surface to become hot and glossy.
  5. Cook the marinated chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and reach full doneness, approximately 4-5 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate.
  6. Add additional oil to the same pan if needed, maintaining the cooking temperature.
  7. 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.
  8. Gently fold in pineapple chunks, allowing them to warm through and slightly caramelize for about 30 seconds.
  9. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, reuniting all ingredients.
  10. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, continuously stirring to ensure even coating and sauce thickening.
  11. Allow the sauce to reduce and coat the ingredients for 1-2 minutes, creating a glossy, flavorful finish.
  12. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions as a final garnish for added texture and visual appeal.
  13. 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

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)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

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.

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