Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

The moment you take that first bite of Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry, it’s like a tropical vacation for your taste buds. Imagine succulent chicken pieces dancing in a vibrant sauce, with the sweetness of pineapple and the tangy kick of soy sauce creating a flavor explosion. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, luring everyone from their hiding spots like moths to a flame.

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an event I remember the last time I made it for friends. We gathered around the table, laughter filling the air while we dug into this colorful stir-fry. It was the perfect blend of sweet and savory, bringing smiles all around. Whether it’s a bustling weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this dish promises to elevate any occasion.

I once served this dish at a potluck, and let me tell you, it vanished faster than you can say “pineapple.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust based on how hungry your guests are.
• Fresh Pineapple: Opt for ripe pineapple for the best sweetness; canned versions lack that punch.
• Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant red and yellow peppers for color and crunch; they brighten up both flavor and presentation.
• Fresh Garlic: A must for depth; use about 3-4 cloves for that aromatic kick.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium varieties help control saltiness without sacrificing flavor—nobody likes an overly salty stir-fry
• Brown Sugar: Just enough to balance out the acidity; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty richness; just a drizzle goes a long way in enhancing overall flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce; mix with water before adding to avoid clumps.
• Green Onions: Perfect as garnish; they add freshness and a pop of color on top.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chopping your vegetables. This makes cooking quick and easy while ensuring everything cooks evenly.

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce and brown sugar. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes—this helps infuse those amazing flavors.

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds—then toss in your marinated chicken. Cook until golden brown.

Add Fruits and Veggies: Once the chicken is cooked through, add diced pineapple and bell peppers. Sauté until veggies are tender but still crisp—around 5 minutes will do.

Create the Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together cornstarch mixed with water, then pour it over your stir-fry. Stir constantly until thickened—this should take about 2 minutes.

Finish Off with Green Onions: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions over your stir-fry for that final touch of freshness and color. Serve hot with rice or noodles

Now you’re ready to indulge in this delightful Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Each bite offers layers of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds). Enjoy

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve optimal flavor and texture, cook the chicken first until golden. Then, stir-fry the veggies before adding the pineapple and sauce to ensure everything is perfectly cooked and sauced.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a unique twist. Adding cashews or bell peppers can also enhance texture and flavor while making the dish even more colorful.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

The first time I made this Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry, my family devoured it in record time Their smiles were priceless, especially when my little one declared it “the best dinner ever.”

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely to ensure even cooking before using.

What other vegetables can I add?

Consider adding broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra crunch and color.

How spicy can I make this dish?

You can add chili flakes or sriracha to give it a kick without overwhelming sweetness.

Print

Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

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Experience a burst of tropical flavors with this Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry! Tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and vibrant bell peppers come together in a delightful sauce that balances sweetness with savory notes. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, marinate chicken with soy sauce and brown sugar for at least 15 minutes.
3. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Add marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown.
5. Mix in diced pineapple and bell peppers; sauté until veggies are tender yet crisp (about 5 minutes).
6. Whisk cornstarch mixture into the stir-fry and stir constantly until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
7. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot over rice or noodles.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (~300g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp. Add cashews or snap peas for extra texture and flavor. Ensure vegetables are not overcooked to maintain their crunch.