Name: Easy Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup pineapple juice; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional); 1 cup pineapple chunks; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 onion, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil; 2 green onions, chopped; Sesame seeds (optional)

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Pineapple chicken is a delicious, sweet, and tangy dish that brings tropical flavors straight to your dinner table. It’s a quick and easy recipe that combines juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and aromatic spices. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

This pineapple chicken recipe is inspired by classic takeout-style dishes, but it’s made with fresh ingredients and no unnecessary additives. It’s healthier, customizable, and takes just 30 minutes to make. Whether you’re a home cook, a student, or a busy parent, this recipe is foolproof and packed with flavor.

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef. Prefer a little heat? Add some chili flakes or Sriracha. Looking for a low-carb option? Serve it over cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice. There are endless ways to enjoy this dish!

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Quick & Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Sweet & Savory Balance: The combination of pineapple, soy sauce, and honey creates a delicious contrast of flavors.
Healthier Than Takeout: Made with real ingredients, no MSG, and no excessive amounts of sugar or salt.
Versatile: Works with different proteins, vegetables, and spice levels.
Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients Breakdown for Sticky Pineapple Chicken

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (for crispier texture)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Sauce:

1/2 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for heat)

Chicken Stir-Fry with Pineapple:

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1/2 onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil (for cooking)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1: Prepare the Chicken

Raw chicken pieces coated with cornstarch and seasoning on a cutting board, ready for stir-frying.

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, mix the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This creates a light, crispy coating when cooked.

2: Make the Sticky Pineapple Sauce

A bowl of homemade pineapple stir-fry sauce with soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.

In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes.
Set aside.

3: Cook the Chicken

Golden-brown crispy chicken pieces sizzling in a cast iron skillet, being stirred with a wooden spatula.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables with Pineapple

A wok filled with stir-fried bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks, being tossed over high heat.

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.
Add bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks.
Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

5: Add the Sauce & Finish Cooking Pineapple Chicken Recipe

A thick, glossy pineapple sauce being poured over stir-fried chicken and vegetables in a pan.

Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
Pour the sauce over everything and stir well.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Pro Tips for the Best Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

Use Fresh Pineapple: If possible, fresh pineapple gives the best flavor, but canned pineapple works too.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches for a crispy texture.
Make Extra Sauce: If you love saucy stir-fries, double the sauce ingredients.
Adjust Sweetness & Spice: Add more or less honey and chili flakes to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions for Pineapple Chicken with Rice or Noodles

Serve over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or fried rice.
Pair with noodles like udon or ramen.
For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
Side dishes: steamed broccoli, stir-fried snap peas, or an Asian slaw.

Variations & Customizations for This Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Different Proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef.
Spicy Version: Add Sriracha or extra chili flakes.
Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken: Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
Grilled Pineapple Chicken: Marinate and grill instead of stir-frying.

Storage & Reheating Tips for Sticky Pineapple Chicken

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a pan over low heat or in the microwave.
Freezing Not Recommended due to texture changes in pineapple and vegetables.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

Adding Sauce Too Early: This can make the chicken soggy.
Overcrowding the Pan: Prevents proper browning.
Using the Wrong Cut of Chicken: Thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breasts.

Similar Recipes You’ll Love

For a different take on sweet and savory chicken, try this honey garlic chicken recipe.
If you’re looking for more ways to cook with chicken, explore these ground chicken recipes for inspiration.
For another sticky and flavorful dish, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe, perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh? Yes, but drain excess juice to avoid excess sweetness.
How do I make this gluten-free? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Can I make this in the oven? Yes, bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, then broil for 3 minutes.

Final Thoughts on This Easy Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Pineapple chicken is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table. Whether you prefer it spicy, extra saucy, or served with noodles, this recipe is customizable and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment sharing your favorite variations!