Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

Recipe By:
Ruth
Updated:

There’s nothing quite like the sweet and tangy allure of Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry. Picture succulent pieces of chicken dancing on your taste buds, enveloped in a luscious sauce that combines the brightness of pineapple with the savory umami of soy sauce. The moment you take a bite, the flavors mingle together to create a harmony that is simply irresistible.

This delightful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to impress friends at a casual get-together. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds and raving about how you whipped up such a crowd-pleaser

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is a breeze to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish
  • The flavor profile pairs sweet, tangy pineapple with savory chicken for a mouthwatering experience
  • Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, turning any dinner table into a feast for the eyes
  • Versatile enough for meal prep or impressing guests, this dish suits any occasion

I still remember the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop complimenting me on the explosion of flavors. We laughed so hard as they tried to guess the secret ingredients.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts works perfectly; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
  • Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; minced garlic can elevate any stir-fry
  • Pineapple Chunks: Use fresh pineapple if possible; it adds natural sweetness that’s unbeatable in flavor.
  • Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green not only looks great but also gives an added crunch.
  • Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to manage salt levels while keeping all that umami goodness.
  • Cornstarch: This magical powder helps thicken your sauce and gives it that restaurant-quality gloss.
  • Vegetable Oil: Use this for frying; it has a high smoke point, making it ideal for stir-frying.
  • Green Onions: These add a fresh touch as a garnish; thinly sliced makes them even more appealing

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

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by slicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Chop those bell peppers and mince your garlic. Make sure everything is ready because stir-frying happens fast

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let them sit while you prepare other ingredients; this step adds flavor and tenderness.

Sauté Garlic and Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant before adding marinated chicken; cook until golden brown and cooked through.

Add Vegetables and Pineapple: Toss in bell pepper chunks and pineapple pieces once chicken is done. Cook until peppers are tender-crisp and pineapple caramelizes slightly about 3-5 minutes.

Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix additional soy sauce with some sugar and cornstarch slurry (water + cornstarch). Pour this mixture over your stir-fry and cook until thickened.

Serve It Up: Once everything is well-coated in that glossy sauce, serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions for an extra pop

Now you’ve got yourself an easy yet impressive meal that’s sure to delight everyone at the dinner table Enjoy every bite of your Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

You Must Know

  • Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is a colorful dish that combines vibrant flavors
  • The sweet tang of pineapple perfectly complements the savory chicken, creating a delightful balance
  • Don’t forget the crunch of veggies; it adds texture and visual appeal to your plate

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Sear it until golden brown, then add vegetables and pineapple for the last few minutes. This sequence ensures everything is perfectly cooked yet flavorful.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add cashews for an extra crunch. You can also try different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin for a unique twist on this classic.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid overcooking the chicken and making it tough.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To achieve the best flavor, use fresh pineapple instead of canned; it makes a world of difference
  • Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding chicken to get that lovely sear
  • Lastly, don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking

Sharing this recipe reminds me of a dinner party where my friends raved about the sweetness and crunch of this dish, leading to seconds and maybe even thirds

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry?

Yes, but ensure you thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

What can I substitute for pineapple in this stir-fry?

Mango or bell peppers can provide a similar sweetness if you prefer alternatives.

How spicy can I make my Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry?

Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to bring some heat to your dish

Print

Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry, a quick and delightful meal perfect for any occasion. Juicy chicken pieces are enveloped in a tangy pineapple sauce paired with crunchy bell peppers, making it a colorful feast for both the eyes and the palate. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings where you want to impress. With its harmonious blend of sweet and savory, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 34 breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 cup mixed bell peppers (red and green), chopped
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients by slicing the chicken breasts, chopping bell peppers, and mincing garlic.
  2. Marinate the chicken by mixing it with soy sauce and cornstarch; let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
  4. Add marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through (5-7 minutes).
  5. Toss in bell peppers and pineapple chunks; cook for another 3-5 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp.
  6. In a separate bowl, mix additional soy sauce with sugar and cornstarch slurry; pour over stir-fry and cook until thickened.
  7. Serve immediately over rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. For added crunch, toss in cashews before serving. Substitute pineapple with mango for a different flavor twist.

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