Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

There’s nothing quite like the sweet and sour pineapple chicken stir-fry to brighten up a weekday dinner. Imagine tender chicken pieces, bursting with flavor, sautéed alongside vibrant veggies, all cloaked in a glossy, tangy sauce that practically dances on your taste buds. This dish doesn’t just deliver a delightful punch of flavor it also fills your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma that’ll have your neighbors contemplating a visit.

This recipe is more than just food it’s a culinary adventure that takes me back to the first time I made it for my family. The moment my kids took their first bite, their eyes lit up as if they had discovered treasure. Perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, this sweet and sour pineapple chicken stir-fry promises to impress.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This sweet and sour pineapple chicken stir-fry is quick and easy to prepare, making weeknight meals stress-free
  • The balance of flavors creates a delicious harmony that everyone will crave
  • Its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate
  • Versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins

I’ll never forget the delighted squeals from my kids when they first tasted this dish it was pure joy.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well adjust based on how hungry everyone is.
  • Fresh Pineapple: Opt for ripe pineapples for the best sweetness canned versions can work in a pinch.
  • Bell Peppers: A mix of colors not only looks great but adds different flavors too.
  • Onion: Sweet onions are perfect they caramelize beautifully during cooking.
  • Fresh Garlic: Use 2-3 cloves for that aromatic kick that elevates any stir-fry.
  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while providing depth.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a lovely sweetness that balances out the savory elements perfectly.
  • Rice Vinegar: A splash brings brightness and cuts through the richness of the chicken.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives it that desirable glossy finish.
  • Vegetable Oil: For frying you want something neutral that won’t overpower other flavors.
  • Green Onions: Chopped for garnish at the end they add freshness and color.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping all vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Cube the chicken into even chunks for uniform cooking. Have everything ready for swift frying.

Create the Sauce: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. The mixture should be glossy and enticing just wait till it hits the heat

Sauté the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides about 6-8 minutes for maximum flavor.

Add Aromatics: Toss in minced garlic and onion sauté until fragrant and translucent. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like heaven

Add Veggies & Pineapple: Introduce bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Cook until they’re tender-crisp around 3-4 minutes to maintain some crunch.

Pour in Sauce: Lower heat slightly before pouring your prepared sauce over everything in the skillet. Stir continuously until thickened this should take about 2 minutes and watch those flavors meld together beautifully.

Now serve this delightful dish over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with fresh green onions for that extra pop of color Enjoy every mouthful of this sweet and sour pineapple chicken stir-fry it’s sure to become a family favorite

You Must Know

  • This Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is not just delicious it’s a colorful explosion of flavors
  • The crunch of fresh veggies combined with tender chicken and tangy pineapple will make your taste buds dance
  • Plus, it’s a quick dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 20 minutes to enhance the flavor. Sear it until golden brown, then add vegetables and pineapple, stirring to combine everything while ensuring even cooking.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or tofu if you’re feeling adventurous. Add more vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture without making it soggy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Ensure your pan is hot before adding ingredients this helps achieve a beautiful sear on the chicken
  • Don’t rush the cooking process let the flavors meld together for a richer taste experience
  • Lastly, balance sweetness and acidity by adjusting pineapple and vinegar levels as desired

Sometimes I try new recipes just to impress friends, but this stir-fry was a hit because everyone loves the sweet and sour combo it even sparked a friendly competition for who could make it better

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely Fresh pineapple enhances flavor and adds a lovely texture to the dish.

What can I serve with Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry?

Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that satisfies.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply substitute soy sauce with tamari, which is gluten-free, while keeping all other ingredients intact.

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Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry


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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4

Description

Sweet and sour pineapple chicken stir-fry is a quick, vibrant dish that brings together tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and colorful vegetables in a glossy, tangy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this recipe delivers a flavor-packed experience that will delight the whole family. With just a few simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can create a meal that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete dinner that everyone will love!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned)
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (mixed colors)
  • 1 medium sweet onion, sliced
  • 23 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients by chopping vegetables and cubing the chicken into even pieces.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
  4. Add minced garlic and sliced onion to the skillet; sauté until fragrant.
  5. Stir in bell peppers and pineapple; cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  6. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture; stir continuously until thickened (about 2 minutes).
  7. Serve over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with chopped green onions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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Emma Stone

Chef & Blogger

Hello, I’m Emma Stone! Growing up in Portland, Oregon, I discovered my love for cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen. After earning my degree from the Culinary Institute of America, I set off on a journey across the country, diving into new flavors and honing my culinary skills. This website is the result of that passion—it’s where I share mouthwatering recipes designed to unite people through the joy of food. Join me on my culinary adventure!

Chef Emma