Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

This sweet and tangy Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry is an easy dinner recipe bursting with flavor. Your whole family will love the combination of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and colorful peppers - it will be a huge hit! And the best part? It's ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!

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This pineapple chicken stir fry is an easy recipe that is a regular on my dinner rotation. It comes together quickly and effortlessly, and it tastes amazing.

It can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Plus, it's a healthy(ish) meal that everyone will love.

I also love how pretty this dish looks! The bright colors of the ingredients make it visually appealing, and the combination of chicken and pineapple is always a hit!

I like to serve it over Instant Pot Rice, Cauliflower Rice, or Coconut Rice for a complete meal.

If you like this recipe, try my Grilled Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick next!

And if you love pineapple recipes, try my Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs made with a delicious homemade pineapple teriyaki sauce!

Jump to:

• 💗 Why You Will Love This Recipe
• 🍍 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
• 🥘 How To Make Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry
• 💭 Expert Tips
• 🍚 Sides for Pineapple Chicken
• 🧾 Recipe FAQs
• 🍗 More Delicious Chicken Recipes You'll Love
• 📋 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

💗 Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: This recipe is bursting with flavor thanks to the combination of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and homemade stir fry sauce.
• Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
• Healthy: This dish is made with peppers and lean protein, making it a healthy(ish) meal option. It also is made with homemade stir-fry sauce instead of store-bought.
• Kid-Friendly: This recipe is also kid-friendly, making it a great way to get your little ones to eat!
• Affordable: This recipe is also affordable, as the ingredients are relatively inexpensive and easy to find at your local grocery store.
• Leftovers: This dish also makes excellent leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep or for enjoying as a quick and easy lunch the next day.

🍍 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Olive oil: I used extra virgin olive oil, but avocado oil is also an excellent choice as it has a high smoking point.
• Chicken breasts: I used boneless skinless chicken breasts; however, boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative.
• Salt and black pepper: Used to season the chicken cubes before cooking.
• Red bell pepper: A colorful addition to this dish, red bell pepper adds a sweet flavor and provides a source of vitamin C.
• Red onion: Diced red onion adds a mild, sweet flavor to this dish.
• Canned pineapple chunks: The pineapple juice is used as a base for the sauce, which adds a sweet, tropical flavor to the dish. The drained pineapple is then used in the stir fry. You could use fresh pineapple and pineapple juice instead.
• Chicken broth: I used low-sodium chicken broth, but you could use homemade chicken stock, or your favorite brand.
• Soy sauce: A staple in Asian cuisine, soy sauce adds a salty, umami flavor.
• Brown sugar: Used to sweeten the sauce, brown sugar adds depth and richness to the dish. You could substitute your favorite sweetener instead.
• Garlic cloves: I used fresh garlic cloves. You could also use garlic powder.
• Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy flavor to the dish. You can also use ground ginger.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Used to add a spicy kick to the dish, red pepper flakes are optional for those who enjoy a little heat.
• Cornstarch and water: Used as a thickener for the sauce - it gives it a smooth and silky texture.
• Green onions + sesame seeds (optional): Thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds make a great garnish and add color and flavor.

See the printable recipe card for exact measurements and a complete list of ingredients.

🥘 How To Make Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

First, rinse the red pepper thoroughly and pat it dry. Next, cut the chicken breast or chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.

Drain pineapple juice from the can into a mixing bowl. Set aside the pineapple chunks until later.

Mix pineapple juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.

Tip: You could also add the sauce ingredients to a mason jar, put the lid on, and shake it up.

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Place chicken pieces in the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, or until browned and cooked through.

Toss in the red onions and the red bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until the veggies are tender.

Add the pineapple chunks, stir, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Pour the prepared pineapple sauce over the ingredients in the skillet and bring it to a boil.

In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir it into the skillet. Simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens (2-3 minutes).

Remove from heat, and if desired, sprinkle sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onion as a garnish on top of the stir fry.

Serve the stir-fry immediately over rice, quinoa, or noodles.

Enjoy!

💭 Expert Tips

• Cut your chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• You could add the sauce ingredients to a mason jar, put the lid on, and shake it up instead of mixing it in a bowl.
• Ensure your pan or wok is hot before adding the ingredients to prevent them from sticking.
• Be careful not to overcook your chicken. Cook it until it is just browned and cooked through, but not dry or overdone.
• If you like your stir fry spicy, add more red pepper flakes.
• If you want to make the sauce thicker, add more cornstarch or let it simmer for a few extra minutes.
• If you want to make the sauce a little thinner, add more pineapple juice or chicken broth.
• If you want to make this recipe even healthier, try using low-sodium soy sauce, and substitute the brown sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also use various vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, or snow peas - all great additions.
• Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir fry is a fast-paced cooking method, so you don't want to be scrambling to chop vegetables while your chicken is overcooking in the skillet. 🙂

🍚 Sides for Pineapple Chicken

There are so many delicious dishes that go great with this pineapple chicken stir fry. Some great options include:

• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or even Jasmine Rice (pressure cooker) are great accompaniments to this dish.
• Noodles: If you're in the mood for something different, try serving your stir fry over noodles like soba, udon, or even spaghetti.
• Vegetables: You can serve it with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is always delicious.
• Fruit: Since this recipe already features pineapple, double down on the tropical theme and serve sliced mango, papaya, or kiwi on the side.
• Egg rolls: Store-bought or homemade egg rolls can be a tasty and crunchy side dish.
• Edamame: For a healthy and protein-packed side dish, try steaming or boiling some edamame and serving it in a small bowl with a sprinkle of sea salt.
• Fried rice: If you have leftover rice, turn it into a quick and easy fried rice to serve with your stir fry.
• Lettuce cups: You could wrap this stir fry in lettuce cups for an easy weeknight dinner.

🧾 Recipe FAQs

🍗 More Delicious Chicken Recipes You'll Love

This Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry recipe is a game-changer if you are tired of boring chicken dishes. Its unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors combined with red pepper and juicy pineapple chunks will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. If you like this recipe, please take a moment to rate the recipe below🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and leave a comment with your thoughts!

📋 Recipe