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Pineapple Chicken
Sofia

Pineapple Chicken

Sweet, tangy, and savory — this pineapple chicken is a tropical-inspired stir-fry featuring tender chicken chunks, juicy pineapple, and colorful bell peppers in a sticky, flavorful sauce. Perfect over rice for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken:
  • 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • For the Sauce:
  • ⅓ cup pineapple juice from the can or fresh
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • For the Stir-Fry:
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned, drained
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • Optional: green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
  2. Toss chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes while prepping other ingredients.
  3. Make the Sauce:
  4. In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
  5. Cook the Chicken:
  6. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  7. Stir-Fry Vegetables and Pineapple:
  8. In the same pan, add bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender. Add pineapple chunks and sauté for 1 more minute.
  9. Combine and Add Sauce:
  10. Return chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything to coat. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
  11. Serve:
  12. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • Use canned pineapple in juice (not syrup) for the best balance of sweetness.
  • Add cashews or snow peas for texture and variety.
  • Great for meal prep — reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
  • Make it spicy with a splash of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.