Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Pineapple chicken stir-fry is a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory goodness of stir-fried chicken and vegetables. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and spices. Here’s a delicious recipe to bring tropical flavors to your dinner table.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil (if using). In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce mixture. Stir well and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the onions, bell peppers, and snow peas (or broccoli) to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add Pineapple and Sauce:

Add the pineapple chunks to the pan and stir-fry for another minute. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.

5. Combine Everything:

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything together until well combined and heated through.

6. Serve:

Garnish the pineapple chicken stir-fry with sliced green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Making the Best Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

• Use Fresh Pineapple: For the best flavor, use fresh pineapple chunks. However, if you’re short on time, canned pineapple works well too.
• Protein Options: You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef if you prefer a different protein.
• Add Spice: If you like your stir-fry with a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add some sriracha or hot sauce to the stir-fry sauce.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the stir-fry with your favorite veggies like zucchini, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms. The more colorful, the better!
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen stir-fry vegetables to make this dish even faster. Just make sure to thaw them beforehand and drain off any excess moisture to avoid a watery stir-fry.

2. How can I make the stir-fry sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply add a bit more cornstarch dissolved in water, and let the sauce simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.

3. Is this dish gluten-free?

To make this stir-fry gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.

4. Can I make this stir-fry spicy?

Absolutely! You can add fresh chili peppers, sriracha, or extra red pepper flakes to turn up the heat in this dish.

5. What can I serve with pineapple chicken stir-fry?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. For a low-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.

Conclusion

Pineapple chicken stir-fry is a fantastic weeknight meal that combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in a single dish. It’s perfect for busy days when you need something quick, but still crave a homemade, healthy dinner. With the vibrant mix of veggies, chicken, and pineapple, this stir-fry is sure to become a family favorite.

Yield: 4

Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

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Pineapple chicken stir-fry is a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory goodness of stir-fried chicken and vegetables. It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and spices. Here’s a delicious recipe to bring tropical flavors to your dinner table.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks (drained if canned)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
• Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Prepare the bell peppers, onion, pineapple, garlic, and ginger.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
   
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry the bell peppers and onions for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still have some crunch. Add the garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   
4. Add the Pineapple:
   Add the pineapple chunks to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow them to caramelize slightly.
   
5. Make the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and honey. Pour the sauce into the pan and stir to coat the vegetables and pineapple evenly. Bring to a simmer.
   
6. Thicken the Sauce:
   Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
   
7. Combine Everything:
   Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss everything together until the chicken is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
   
8. Serve:
   Serve the pineapple chicken stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Notes

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra crunch and nutrition.

Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor, but canned pineapple works well too.

Sauce Adjustments: If you like your stir-fry sauce sweeter, add more honey or hoisin sauce. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.