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Flavorful Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry with Sweet & Savory Sauce

pineapple chicken stir fry - featured image

A quick and easy pineapple chicken stir fry featuring tender chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a sticky, tangy sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (about 1/4 of a pineapple), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow)
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • Optional garnishes: chopped green onions or fresh cilantro
  • Optional sides: cooked jasmine or brown rice

Instructions

  1. Prep all ingredients first: cut chicken, slice bell pepper and onion, mince garlic, and chop pineapple (10 minutes).
  2. Mix the sauce: whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, and cornstarch slurry in a small bowl (2 minutes).
  3. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering (2 minutes).
  4. Cook the chicken in a single layer without crowding the pan until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  5. In the same pan, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until veggies soften, about 2-3 minutes. Add pineapple and cook another 2 minutes to caramelize edges.
  6. Return chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir to coat. Cook 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and glazes the ingredients.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro before serving.

Notes

Avoid overcooking pineapple to keep it juicy with caramelized edges. Use high heat but controlled to get a good sear. Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming. Cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the sauce. Sauce can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple chicken stir fry, sweet and savory sauce, quick dinner, easy stir fry, weeknight meal, chicken recipe, pineapple recipe