This Sweet & Tangy Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory flavors of chicken, creating a perfect balance of taste. The vibrant peppers and fresh green onions bring color and crunch, while the honey-based sauce gives the dish a lovely glaze that clings to every bite.
Ideal for a busy weeknight, this stir-fry is not only quick and easy but also customizable. You can adjust the level of sweetness or spice to match your preferences. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetable sides for a well-rounded, flavorful meal the whole family will love.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch (if using) until well combined.
- Add the pineapple chunks and sauce mixture to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry and mix well. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Sweet & Tangy Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry: A Flavorful and Healthy Meal
The Sweet & Tangy Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The tender pieces of chicken breast are cooked to golden perfection and tossed in a sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. The addition of pineapple gives the dish a juicy, tropical flair, while bell peppers and onions add a vibrant crunch. Together, these ingredients create a dish that’s not only bursting with flavor but also packed with nutrients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes of cook time, this stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to prepare a flavorful meal in no time.
- Packed with Flavor: The sweet pineapple pairs wonderfully with the savory soy sauce and the tangy rice vinegar, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s mouthwatering with every bite.
- Nutritious: This dish offers a great combination of lean protein from the chicken, antioxidants from bell peppers, and vitamin C from pineapple. It’s a healthy meal the whole family will love.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the recipe based on what you have in your kitchen. You can swap out bell peppers for other veggies, like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. For a vegetarian twist, tofu can easily be substituted for chicken.
How to Serve:
Serve this delicious stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad to add more vegetables to your plate. The dish is versatile enough to be served for lunch or dinner, and it makes great leftovers for the next day!
Perfect for Meal Prep:
This Sweet & Tangy Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry also works wonderfully for meal prepping. You can prepare it in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and have an easy-to-reheat lunch or dinner ready in minutes. It’s a great way to stay on track with healthy eating during busy weeks.
A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion:
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this stir-fry is sure to impress. The combination of vibrant colors and bold flavors makes it a visually appealing and delicious dish that everyone will enjoy.
Why This Recipe Works:
-
Flavor-Packed Sauce: The homemade stir-fry sauce brings a perfect balance of salty, tangy, and sweet. With ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey, it coats the chicken and vegetables in a delicious glaze that’s both savory and sweet.
-
Vibrant Veggies and Pineapple: The addition of colorful bell peppers and juicy pineapple chunks makes the dish not only tasty but visually appealing. The bell peppers add crunch, while the pineapple brings a refreshing sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
-
Quick and Easy to Make: This dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The cooking process is straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find in most supermarkets.
-
Healthy and Balanced Meal: This stir-fry is a wholesome, one-pan meal. Chicken provides lean protein, while bell peppers and pineapple are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It’s a great option for those looking for a healthier dinner choice without sacrificing taste.
Tips for Customizing:
- Protein Options: While this recipe uses chicken breasts, you can easily substitute it with other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or even beef if you prefer.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables such as zucchini, broccoli, or snow peas. The versatility of stir-fries allows you to get creative with what’s in season or what you have in your pantry.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce to give the dish an extra kick. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors will elevate the dish to a whole new level.
- Serve It Your Way: For a complete meal, serve the stir-fry over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also enjoy it on its own as a light, low-carb dish.
Conclusion
This Sweet & Tangy Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, delicious meal with minimal effort. Add it to your weekly meal rotation for a dish that will please everyone at the table!