Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

Name: Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water; 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Posted on March 27, 2025

Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is a culinary adventure that transports your taste buds to a tropical paradise. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken coated in a tangy, sweet sauce, mingling with vibrant vegetables that pop with color and crunch. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table. It’s an instant mood-lifter, perfect for any weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends.

This dish holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of summer barbecues where laughter floated in the air alongside the delicious scents of grilled food. It’s versatile enough to serve any day of the week but feels fancy enough for celebrations. Each bite brings a burst of flavor that makes you crave more, and I promise you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is incredibly easy to whip up on busy weeknights
Its fantastic sweet and savory flavor profile will impress even picky eaters
The vibrant colors make it visually stunning on any dinner table, and it’s versatile enough to serve over rice or noodles depending on your preference

I vividly remember when I served this dish at my sister’s birthday party everyone raved about it. One friend even asked for the recipe, leading to an impromptu cooking lesson right there in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredients

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

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple adds sweetness canned works too if you’re short on time.
Bell Peppers: Use red and green for vibrant color they add crunch and flavor.
Onion: A medium onion mellows out beautifully when sautéed sweetening the dish just right.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a fragrant kick minced is best for even distribution.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness balance is key here.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Either adds that essential sweetness without overwhelming flavors adjust based on preference.
Cornstarch: This thickens your sauce nicely mix with water before adding it to avoid clumping.
Vegetable Oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point for stir-frying canola or peanut oil works great.

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

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Before diving into cooking, chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and dice your vegetables. This makes stir-frying smooth and efficient.

Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil once it’s hot enough that water droplets sizzle upon contact.

Sauté Chicken Pieces: Add chicken to the pan and cook until golden brown about 5 minutes. The aroma should start making everyone nearby hungry.

Add Vegetables and Garlic: Toss in bell peppers, onion, and garlic stir-fry until veggies are tender-crisp around 3-4 minutes should do it. Enjoy that beautiful medley of colors.

Create the Sauce : In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), pineapple juice from canned pineapple chunks, and cornstarch mixed with water. Pour over the chicken mixture.

Finish Cooking : Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats all ingredients evenly. Your creation should smell heavenly by now.

With each step, don’t forget to smile cooking should be fun. Enjoy this delightful journey as you whip up Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry it’s worth every minute spent in the kitchen.

You Must Know

Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is not just a dish it’s a celebration of flavors
The combination of juicy pineapple and tender chicken creates an explosion of taste
Don’t skip the aromatics they elevate the dish to a whole new level

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, then cook it in batches for even browning. Next, stir-fry your vegetables before adding the chicken back in with the sauce for optimal flavor integration.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping chicken for tofu or shrimp for a delightful twist. You can also play with spices, adding ginger or chili flakes for more heat, or use different vegetables based on what you have available.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.

Chef's Helpful Tips

This Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry recipe thrives on fresh ingredients always choose ripe pineapples
Use high heat when stir-frying to achieve that wonderful sear and caramelization
Finally, don’t overcrowd the pan this ensures everything cooks evenly and maintains crispness

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my first dinner party. Friends raved about it, and I felt like a culinary genius for a night.

FAQ

What can I substitute for chicken in Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry?

You can use tofu, shrimp, or even beef as delicious alternatives.

How do I make my stir-fry sauce thicker?

To thicken your sauce, add cornstarch mixed with water during the cooking process.

Can I prepare Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and chop vegetables ahead for easy cooking later.