Zesty Tropical Tangy Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this tangy pineapple chicken stir-fry recipe delivers a burst of tropical flavor that’ll have taste buds dancing.

Sweet and zesty pineapple chunks perfectly complement the tender chicken, creating a mouthwatering harmony of tastes.

The vibrant colors and bold seasonings turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of savory and sweet elements that’ll transport you to a sun-soaked paradise.

The quick cooking method ensures juicy chicken and crisp vegetables retain their natural goodness.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques make this dish accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Prepare to savor a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 325 kcal

Servings: 4

How to Cook a Colorful Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

• Marinate the Chicken

Toss chicken pieces in a quick soy sauce bath to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat. Let it rest while you prep other ingredients.

• Create the Flavor Base

Whip up a zesty sauce combining sweet pineapple juice, tangy vinegar, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. The secret is balancing each taste element.

• Sear the Protein

Fire up your skillet and cook chicken until golden brown, creating a crispy exterior that locks in juicy goodness. Remove and set aside.

• Awaken the Vegetables

Toss colorful bell peppers, crunchy snap peas, and bright carrots into the hot pan. Add fragrant garlic and ginger for an aromatic punch. Flash cook to maintain vibrant textures.

• Bring Everything Together

Reunite the seared chicken with the sizzling vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, allowing it to caramelize and coat every morsel with sweet and savory notes.

• Plate and Savor

Spread the stir-fry over fluffy rice, creating a restaurant-quality meal in minutes. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for a final flavor explosion.

Flavor Ideas to Brighten Your Pineapple Stir-Fry

• Let chicken sit in soy sauce mixture to enhance tenderness and infuse deeper flavor before cooking.
• Replace snap peas with broccoli, zucchini, or green beans for different texture and nutritional variety.
• Substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to create versatile meal options that suit different dietary preferences.
• Skip rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version that doesn't compromise taste.

How to Plate Pineapple Chicken for a Vibrant Meal

• Tropical Rice Bowl Delight: Serve the stir-fry over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, creating a colorful and aromatic meal that transports your taste buds to a tropical paradise.
• Family-Style Sharing Platter: Arrange the chicken and vegetables on a large communal plate, letting everyone dig in and customize their portions with extra sauce or garnishes.
• Quick Lunch Meal Prep: Pack individual containers with the stir-fry and rice, making a delicious and convenient lunch option for work or school that stays fresh and tasty.
• Wrap It Up: Use large lettuce leaves or tortillas to create fresh, light wraps filled with the pineapple chicken, perfect for a handheld meal with a fun twist.

Meal Storage Tips for Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

• Store leftover pineapple chicken stir-fry in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent flavor loss.
• Refrigerated stir-fry remains delicious for 3-4 days when kept at or below 40°F. Consume within this window to enjoy peak taste and texture.
• Revive cold stir-fry by warming in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly.
• For longer storage, freeze chicken stir-fry in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Separate sauce and rice to prevent soggy texture. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main texture and heartiness to the dish, choose boneless skinless chicken breasts for a healthier option and easier cutting.
• Cornstarch: Magical tenderizing agent that helps seal in chicken's moisture and creates a silky coating for perfect stir-fry results.

• Soy Sauce: Umami-rich seasoning that adds depth and saltiness, opt for low-sodium version if watching salt intake.
• Honey: Natural sweetener bringing golden caramelization and balanced sweetness, raw local honey offers best flavor complexity.
• Pineapple Juice: Tropical liquid that infuses tangy brightness and helps tenderize meat, fresh-squeezed provides most vibrant taste.
• Rice Vinegar: Gentle acidic component that brightens overall flavor profile, look for clear varieties without added sugar.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty aromatic oil adding authentic Asian essence, toasted version provides more intense flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy kick that brings gentle heat, adjust quantity based on personal heat tolerance.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetable adding crunch and sweetness, mix different colors for visual appeal.
• Snap Peas: Crisp green vegetables bringing freshness and texture, choose bright green pods without blemishes.
• Carrots: Sweet root vegetable adding vibrant color and nutrients, choose firm carrots for best crunch.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer, fresh cloves provide more intense taste than pre-minced.
• Ginger: Zesty root bringing warm spiciness, fresh ginger offers more pot.

Wok Tools for Stir-Frying Pineapple Chicken Quickly

• Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for high-heat stir-frying and achieving that perfect golden chicken.
• Small Mixing Bowls: Perfect for marinating chicken and preparing the flavorful sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables, chicken, and garnishes.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and chicken preparation.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and sauce ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients during cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure liquid ingredients precisely.

Tangy Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent pineapple chicken stir-fry brings tropical zest to your dinner table with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Colorful ingredients dance together, creating a quick and delightful meal that will satisfy your craving for something extraordinary.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks (drained if canned)
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red, green, or yellow)
• ½ cup snap peas (optional)
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice or brown rice
• ½ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
• 3 tbsps soy sauce
• 2 tbsps green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
• 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Marinate Chicken: Coat chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch, allowing flavors to penetrate for a brief period.
2. Craft Sauce: Blend pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes into a harmonious liquid, incorporating cornstarch for thickening.
3. Sear Protein: Ignite a large skillet or wok with oil, then rapidly cook chicken until golden and thoroughly done, extracting and reserving for later integration.
4. Vegetable Symphony: Utilize the same cooking vessel to flash-sauté bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, garlic, and ginger, maintaining vibrant crispness while adding pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
5. Unify Elements: Reintroduce chicken to the pan, cascading the prepared sauce and stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a glossy, cohesive creation.
6. Presentation: Transfer the aromatic stir-fry atop steamed jasmine or brown rice, garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions for a final flourish of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Use the 5-10 minute marinating time to prep vegetables and sauce, maximizing kitchen efficiency and ensuring tender, flavorful chicken.
• Stir-fry vegetables briefly to maintain their vibrant color, crunch, and nutritional value; overcooking leads to mushy, bland textures.
• Customize red pepper flakes quantity based on heat tolerance; start with a pinch and gradually increase for personalized spiciness without overwhelming the dish.
• Select jasmine or brown rice with slightly sticky consistency to absorb sauce perfectly, enhancing overall flavor and dining experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg