Best Pineapple Chicken is a bright and flavorful dish that hits the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. Juicy chicken chunks are stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers and tossed in a sticky pineapple glaze that’s bursting with tropical flair. It’s a fast, one-pan wonder that makes a delicious weeknight dinner or an easy alternative to takeout. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a meal that’s sure to satisfy.

What Makes This Dish Special?

Pineapple Chicken brings together bold Asian-style flavors with a fruity twist. The sweetness of pineapple pairs beautifully with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a sticky, crave-worthy sauce that clings to tender chicken pieces. It’s also incredibly customizable—throw in extra veggies, spice it up with chili flakes, or make it gluten-free with tamari. And the best part? It all comes together in under 30 minutes.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
2 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame)
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

For the Sauce:

¼ cup pineapple juice
3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp ketchup (optional, for a slight tang and color)
1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)

Instructions

1. Coat the Chicken

Toss the chicken pieces with 1 tbsp cornstarch to lightly coat.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Stir-Fry Veggies & Pineapple

In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Stir-fry bell peppers, garlic, ginger, and pineapple chunks for 2–3 minutes until just tender and fragrant.

4. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ketchup (if using), and cornstarch.

5. Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over everything. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and veggies.

6. Serve

Serve hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Variations

Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat.
Low Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
Tropical Style: Add shredded coconut or mango for more fruity flavor.
Crispy Version: Bread the chicken with egg and cornstarch, then pan-fry for extra crunch.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or wok
Mixing bowl
Spatula or tongs
Knife and cutting board

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving, without rice)

Calories: 310
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 15g
Sugar: 9g
Fiber: 2g

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

My Cooking Experience

Every time I make pineapple chicken, it’s gone in minutes. The sauce is simple but packs a ton of flavor, and the caramelized pineapple brings a pop of sweetness that balances the savory soy notes. It’s a go-to when I want a quick meal that feels special but doesn’t require a lot of work—or dishes.

Conclusion

Best Pineapple Chicken is an easy, flavor-packed dinner that brings tropical sweetness and savory depth to your table in no time. With just one skillet and a handful of ingredients, you can create a homemade stir-fry that rivals any takeout order—faster, fresher, and better.

Admin