Sweet Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Sweet Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

There’s something so heartwarming about a colorful stir fry sizzling away in your kitchen, filling your home with fragrant aromas that invite everyone to gather around the table. This Sweet Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry recipe is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and a bridge to cozy moments shared with loved ones.

Picture this: a bustling weeknight, the world outside is chilly, but inside your kitchen, there’s a warm glow. You toss some juicy chicken into a hot skillet, the loud sizzle and the pungent scent of garlic instantly transports you to a tropical island, where the sun meets the sea and fresh pineapples are a staple. And in less than 30 minutes, you’re serving up a quick and satisfying meal that’s sweet, savory, and delightful.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a vibrant centerpiece for your family meal, this recipe is just what you need. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking—this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir fry takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Family-Friendly: The sweet and tangy flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a sure winner at any dinner table.
• Healthy and Colorful: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from fresh veggies, this dish is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have at home—this recipe works beautifully with various veggies and proteins.
• Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients, you can create a fabulous meal without breaking the bank.

What You’ll Need

Gather These Simple Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken Breast (substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option)
• 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil (used for sautéing)
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced (use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable)
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice (use juice from canned pineapple for convenience)
• 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar (maple syrup can be substituted)
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar (white vinegar can be used as a substitute)
• 1 tsp Cornstarch (mix with 1 tbsp water to avoid lumps)
• 1 tbsp Water
• 1.5 cups Cooked Rice (white, brown, or jasmine rice based on preference)
• 1 cup Pineapple Chunks (fresh or drained canned)
• 1/2 whole Red Bell Pepper, diced (can substitute with other bell peppers or snap peas)
• 1/4 cup Green Onions, chopped (chives can be used instead)
• Sesame seeds (for serving, customize based on taste)
• Crushed red pepper (optional for extra spice)

How to Make Sweet Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Let’s Make It Together

1. Heat olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

3. Combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly add slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Add pineapple chunks, diced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions. Cook together for an additional 3-5 minutes to meld flavors and warm the vegetables.

6. Spoon the pineapple chicken mixture over the cooked rice. Garnish with optional sesame seeds and crushed red pepper for added texture and spice.

Variations & Creative Twists

• Add Crunch: Toss in some cashews or crunchy snap peas for an extra layer of texture.
• Switch it Up: For a vegetarian option, swap out chicken for cubes of firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein.
• Tropical Zest: Combine the dish with mango for an extra fruity flavor that feels like a summer getaway.
• Spice it Up: If you love heat, add some fresh diced jalapeños or increase the crushed red pepper for a fiery kick.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can marinate the chicken in the sauce for extra flavor a few hours prior to cooking. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Leftover Love: This stir fry reheats beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Slicing Trick: For easier slicing of chicken, freeze it for 15-20 minutes before cutting. This firms it up for clean edges.
• Ingredient Swap: Don’t hesitate to use frozen vegetables like bell peppers and pineapples—just toss them in directly without thawing!

Nutrition Information per Serving

• Serving Size: 1 plate with rice
• Calories: 380
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Sugar: 15g
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 26g
• Sodium: 650mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prep and marinate the chicken ahead of time, making it a breeze to whip up on a busy weeknight.

Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap proteins and veggies based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How long does it last?
This stir fry tastes best fresh, but if stored properly, it can be kept for a few days in the fridge.

Wrapping It Up

This Sweet Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry is not just a dish; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl that brings a bit of sunshine to your plate, regardless of the weather outside. With each bite, you’ll savor the sweet tang of pineapple and the tender juiciness of chicken, all while feeling the warmth of togetherness that comes from sharing a meal made with love.

I hope this recipe finds a cherished place in your kitchen as you create beautiful mealtime moments. Be sure to save this Sweet Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe to your dinner ideas board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking!

Sweet Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry

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• Author: Chef Emma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

This Sweet Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and delightful weeknight dish that brings together juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a sweet-tangy sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb Chicken Breast (substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option)
• 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice
• 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tsp Cornstarch
• 1 tbsp Water
• 1.5 cups Cooked Rice
• 1 cup Pineapple Chunks
• 1/2 whole Red Bell Pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup Green Onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds (for serving)
• Crushed red pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and slowly add it to the sauce, stirring constantly until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Add pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and green onions. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
6. Spoon the mixture over the cooked rice and garnish with optional sesame seeds and crushed red pepper.

Notes

You can marinate the chicken beforehand for extra flavor, and this dish reheats well for leftovers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate with rice
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: stir fry, chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, quick meals, pineapple chicken