Sizzling Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: Sweet & Savory Delight

Tropical pineapple chicken stir-fry brings a burst of sunshine to your dinner table.

Sweet and tangy flavors dance together in this quick meal.

Crisp vegetables complement juicy chicken pieces perfectly.

Bold spices add depth to each colorful bite.

Fresh ingredients create a vibrant dish that feels like a mini vacation.

Weeknight cooking becomes an exciting culinary adventure with this simple yet delicious recipe.

You’ll love how effortlessly these ingredients come together in one sizzling pan.

Dive into this mouthwatering combination that promises to delight your taste buds.

Why Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Pops With Flavor

• Speed-Boost Meal: Lightning-fast preparation meets delicious results, perfect for busy individuals craving a quick, satisfying dinner without compromising on flavor.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and zesty sauce creating a dynamic taste profile that tantalizes taste buds with every single bite.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and fresh pineapple, delivering a balanced meal that supports healthy eating goals.
• Versatile Cooking Style: Adaptable recipe allows easy customization with different protein options or vegetable substitutions, making it a go-to meal for flexible home cooks.

What You Need For Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the main protein base of the stir-fry.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and pungent flavor to the dish.
• Ginger: Zesty root that provides a warm, spicy undertone to the marinade.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add crunch and sweet flavor to the stir-fry.
• Pineapple: Sweet and tangy fruit that brings a tropical brightness to the dish.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that offers a mild onion flavor and visual appeal.

• Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Rice Vinegar: Combination of ingredients that create a balanced sweet and savory marinade.
• Cornstarch: Coating that helps achieve a crispy exterior for the chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: Cooking medium that ensures even heat distribution and prevents sticking.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

How To Cook Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Fast

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a glossy and aromatic marinade.

Step 2: Prepare Crispy Chicken Coating

Dust chicken pieces with cornstarch, ensuring each morsel gets a light, even dusting. This magical step guarantees a delightfully crisp exterior when cooked.

Step 3: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Watch for that beautiful shimmer that signals the perfect cooking temperature.

Step 4: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Spread chicken pieces in a single layer across the hot pan. Let them sizzle and dance, turning occasionally to achieve an even, golden-brown crust.

Step 5: Add Colorful Veggie Crunch

Toss sliced bell peppers into the wok, stirring quickly to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.

Step 6: Sauce It Up

Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken and peppers. Let it simmer and caramelize, creating a glossy, flavor-packed coating.

Step 7: Introduce Tropical Sweetness

Gently fold in fresh pineapple chunks. Cook for a couple of minutes, allowing the fruit to warm through without losing its delicate structure.

Step 8: Final Flavor Boost

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a final gentle stir to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Scatter chopped green onions over the top for a burst of fresh flavor. Serve immediately over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete, mouthwatering meal.

Tips For Juicy Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

• Cornstarch Coating Trick: Dust chicken with cornstarch to create an irresistibly crispy exterior that locks in moisture and provides a beautiful golden-brown color.
• Maximize Wok Heat: Ensure your cooking surface is scorching hot before adding chicken to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent soggy results.
• Pineapple Precision: Add fresh pineapple chunks at the end of cooking to preserve their natural sweetness and prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, vegetable-packed alternative that complements the dish's vibrant flavors.
• Flavor Boost: Let the marinade sit with chicken for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness of the meat.

Sweet And Savory Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Variations

• Tropical Coconut Chicken Stir-Fry: Replace pineapple with coconut milk and toasted coconut flakes, creating a creamy, rich version with subtle nutty undertones.
• Spicy Mango Chicken Fusion: Swap pineapple for ripe mango chunks, add red chili flakes for heat, and incorporate a splash of lime juice for tangy complexity.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Skillet: Use lemon juice instead of vinegar, add oregano and thyme, replace pineapple with roasted cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Korean-Inspired Gochujang Chicken: Introduce gochujang paste to the marinade, replace pineapple with kimchi, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds for a bold Korean flavor experience.

Best Pairings With Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

• Boost Flavor Harmony: Pair this sweet-tangy pineapple chicken stir-fry with a crisp, light white wine like Riesling that complements the tropical fruit notes and cuts through the dish's richness.
• Refresh with Beverage: Select a cold Asian-style lager such as Singha or Tsingtong beer, which provides a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the stir-fry's bold flavors and helps balance the sweetness.
• Elevate Side Dish: Serve alongside fragrant jasmine rice or coconut rice to absorb the delicious sauce and enhance the meal's tropical profile without overwhelming the primary dish.

Storing Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry The Easy Way

• Store leftover pineapple chicken stir-fry in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Pro tip: Separate sauce and chicken to prevent soggy texture when reheating.
• Thaw frozen stir-fry in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to restore moisture.

Common Questions About Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, thaw chicken completely and pat dry before coating with cornstarch to ensure crispy texture and even cooking.

• How do I prevent chicken from becoming tough?

Cook chicken on high heat quickly and avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps maintain tenderness and prevents steaming.

• What if I don't have rice vinegar?

Substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for similar tangy flavor profile in the marinade.

• Is this dish spicy?

The basic recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce if you want to increase heat level.

Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Hawaiian-inspired pineapple chicken stir-fry brings tropical flavors to your dinner table with zesty, caramelized goodness. Crisp vegetables and tender chicken dance with sweet-tangy pineapple chunks, creating a quick meal that transports you to island paradise.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 large bell pepper, sliced

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce (45 ml)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated

Cooking and Garnish:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (30 ml)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl to create a vibrant marinade.
2. Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for a crispy exterior when cooking.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add seasoned chicken to the hot pan, spreading pieces in a single layer to promote even browning and prevent steaming.
5. Stir-fry chicken for 4-5 minutes until golden and nearly cooked through, turning occasionally to ensure uniform cooking.
6. Incorporate sliced bell peppers into the wok, stirring quickly to maintain their crisp texture and bright color.
7. Pour prepared sauce over chicken and peppers, allowing it to simmer and caramelize for 1-2 minutes.
8. Gently fold in fresh pineapple chunks, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to warm the fruit without breaking its structure.
9. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
10. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, aromatic finish.
11. Serve immediately over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Cornstarch Coating Trick: Use a light, even layer of cornstarch to create an irresistibly crispy chicken exterior that locks in moisture and adds delightful texture.
• Wok Temperature Mastery: Ensure your cooking surface is hot enough to achieve quick searing, preventing chicken from becoming soggy and maintaining a beautiful golden-brown color.
• Pineapple Precision: Add fresh pineapple chunks at the end to preserve their vibrant flavor and prevent them from becoming mushy or losing their natural sweetness.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version, use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free option, or replace rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg