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Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

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4.1 from 71 reviews

This Pineapple Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken pieces stir-fried with colorful vegetables and sweet pineapple chunks in a tangy, flavorful sauce. The combination of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic creates a delightful balance of sweet and savory that perfectly complements the tropical pineapple, making it a vibrant and satisfying dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 ½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons peanut oil (can substitute avocado or olive oil)

Stir Fry

  • 1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks, juices reserved
  • ½ yellow onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 green onions, sliced

Sauce

  • ¾ cup pineapple juice
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 ½ tablespoons honey
  • 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then toss with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated. This helps give the chicken a crispy texture when cooked.
  2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine reserved pineapple juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, ketchup, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated. In a separate small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry and set aside.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and slightly browned. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Stir-fry the vegetables and pineapple: In the same skillet, add the yellow onion, red bell pepper, and green onions. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add the pineapple chunks and cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
  5. Combine and thicken the sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and pineapple. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with additional sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

  • You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
  • Adjust the honey amount according to your preferred sweetness level.
  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add red chili flakes or fresh chopped chili during stir-frying.
  • Make sure to prepare the cornstarch slurry separately to avoid lumps in the sauce.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian