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); 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); 2 cups mixed bell peppers (sliced); 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced); 4 green onions (chopped); ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tbsp cornstarch; Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

By Alicia Newsom

March 28, 2025

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There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and savory that dances on your taste buds, like your favorite song coming on the radio. Enter the Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry, a dish that tantalizes with juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and tangy pineapple. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it sizzles in a pan, making your mouth water in anticipation.

This dish isn’t just a meal it’s a symphony of flavors perfect for weeknights or fancy gatherings. Picture yourself serving this colorful stir-fry to friends and family, their eyes lighting up as they take their first bite. The bursts of sweet pineapple paired with tender chicken bring joy to any occasion. Trust me, you’ll want to make this recipe over and over again

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is easy to whip up in under 30 minutes
Its flavor profile balances sweetness with savory goodness, making it irresistible
The visual appeal of bright colors makes it a showstopper at any dinner table
Perfect for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend treat

I still remember the first time I made this dish my friends couldn’t stop raving about it, and I felt like a culinary genius.

Recipe preparation

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 for your crew.
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned works both add that sweet zing we’re after.
Bell Peppers: Choose a mix of colors for visual appeal they add crunch and sweetness.
Fresh Garlic: Use minced garlic for an aromatic kick that pairs beautifully with chicken.
Green Onions: These add freshness when sprinkled on top don’t skip them
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is my go-to to control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
Rice Vinegar: This adds tanginess it perfectly balances the sweetness of the pineapple.
Brown Sugar: Just a touch enhances the sweetness think of it as nature’s candy
Vegetable Oil: Use for stir-frying it helps achieve that golden-brown sear we crave.
Cornstarch: A little helps thicken our sauce and gives everything a glossy finish.
Sesame Seeds (optional): These are for garnish they add an extra layer of flavor and crunch

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

Let’s Make it Together

Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into cooking, gather all your ingredients on the counter. This prep step saves time later and keeps your cooking process smooth.

Prep the Chicken

Cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors before tossing them in some cornstarch for that crispy texture.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, pour in vegetable oil until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in batches, cooking until golden brown about 5-7 minutes and fragrant enough to make neighbors curious.

Add Aromatics

Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant this should take about 30 seconds. You want those garlicky notes filling your kitchen air like an inviting hug.

Incorporate Veggies

Add bell peppers and pineapple chunks into the pan next. Stir everything together until veggies soften slightly about 3-4 minutes while enjoying how colorful this stir-fry looks already

Create the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and additional cornstarch if needed for thickening. Pour this glorious mixture over your stir-fried chicken and veggies.

Stir It All Together

Give everything a good toss until combined well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly this is where magic happens

Serve It Up

Plate your Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry over fluffy rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Now take a moment to appreciate how beautiful your creation is before digging in

With each bite of this Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry, you’ll feel like a culinary rock star while enjoying every flavorful morsel

You Must Know

Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is a delightful blend of flavors
The balance of sweetness and tanginess makes it irresistible
Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort
Don’t forget the garnish for that extra flair

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken while prepping your vegetables. Sear the chicken until golden, then add veggies, pineapple, and sauce for a harmonious stir-fry.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out veggies based on what’s in your fridge. Try adding cashews or bell peppers for an exciting twist

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop for best results, adding a splash of water if needed.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly cooked chicken, cut it into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking time
Always preheat your pan this helps develop that lovely sear on your meat
If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer until reduced

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family dinners where laughter filled the air as we devoured every bite together.

FAQs

FAQ

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

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

What can I substitute for pineapple?

Mango or peach works well if you want a different fruity flavor.

How spicy can I make this dish?

Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to adjust the heat to your liking.

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