If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings together the sweet and savory flavors of pineapple with tender chicken, Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is your go-to recipe! This colorful and satisfying stir-fry combines succulent chicken, fresh vegetables, and juicy pineapple, all coated in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that will have your taste buds dancing.

Not only is this stir-fry delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients from the veggies and lean protein from the chicken. The combination of red and yellow peppers, red onion, and broccoli makes for a nutrient-packed meal, while the pineapple adds a refreshing burst of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory soy sauce and sesame oil in the sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week, and it’s so versatile you can adjust the level of sweetness or add extra veggies based on your preference.

Let’s dive into how you can make this vibrant stir-fry at home in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with Flavor – The combination of pineapple, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Colorful and Nutritious – Loaded with colorful vegetables, it’s not only beautiful but full of vitamins and minerals.
Customizable – Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust the sweetness to suit your tastes.
Healthy – Lean protein from chicken, and fresh veggies, make this stir-fry a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry

Avocado oil
Raw chicken breasts (diced)
Red onion (diced)
Red pepper (diced)
Yellow pepper (diced)
Small head of broccoli (chopped into small florets)
Pineapple chunks (canned)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Sauce

Pineapple juice (from the can with chunks)
Rice wine vinegar
Soy sauce (tamari if gluten-free)
Sesame oil
Arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)

Variations

Add Extra Veggies: You can add other vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms to increase the nutrition and variety of this dish.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to give the stir-fry a spicy heat.
Chicken Alternatives: Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein source.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice or skip the rice entirely for a low-carb option.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by dicing the chicken breasts and chopping the vegetables (red onion, red and yellow peppers, and broccoli). Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice for the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and arrowroot powder (or cornstarch). Set this aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a bit more avocado oil if necessary. Add the diced red onion, red and yellow peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp and vibrant in color.

Step 5: Combine Chicken, Vegetables, and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Add the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened, remove the stir-fry from the heat. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving. Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

High Heat: Stir-fry cooking works best over high heat. This ensures the vegetables remain crisp while the chicken cooks through quickly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, cook the chicken and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of stir-frying.
Control the Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a bit more pineapple juice or water. If you like a thicker sauce, add a little more arrowroot powder or cornstarch.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of pineapple juice or soy sauce depending on your desired balance of sweet and savory flavors.

How to Serve

Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry can be served on its own for a lighter meal or over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for added substance. It also pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy spring rolls or a fresh cucumber salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dish will keep its flavor and texture well when stored properly.

Freezing

While stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. To freeze, allow the stir-fry to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra pineapple juice to loosen up the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer dark meat. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. Can I use a different oil instead of avocado oil?

Yes, you can use any neutral oil like vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil for stir-frying.

3. Can I add more pineapple?

Absolutely! If you love pineapple, feel free to add more chunks to the stir-fry for extra sweetness.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time, but it’s best to make the stir-fry fresh so the vegetables stay crisp.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this stir-fry gluten-free.

6. How can I make the stir-fry spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, chili sauce, or sriracha to the sauce to spice it up according to your heat preference.

7. What vegetables can I add to the stir-fry?

You can add mushrooms, carrots, snow peas, or zucchini to the stir-fry to increase the variety and nutrients.

8. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple can be used in place of canned pineapple. Just make sure to cut it into bite-sized chunks.

9. Can I use another type of vinegar?

Rice wine vinegar adds a mild tang, but you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if needed.

10. Is this dish low in carbs?

Yes, this dish is relatively low in carbs, especially if you serve it with cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own without added starches.

Conclusion

Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is a vibrant, flavorful, and healthy dish that will brighten up your weeknight dinners. The combination of succulent chicken, fresh vegetables, and sweet pineapple in a tangy sauce creates a balance of flavors and textures that’s irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something that’s both delicious and nutritious, this stir-fry is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.