The vibrant colors of Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry dance in the pan, creating a mouthwatering aroma that instantly fills your kitchen. Imagine tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce, punctuated by juicy pineapple chunks, crisp bell peppers, and the crunch of fresh vegetables. Itβs like a party on a plate, perfect for any night when you want to impress or just treat yourself
This dish has been a family favorite since I first tried it during a summer barbecue. The laughter around the table as everyone savored each bite brought back memories of my childhood. Whether youβre hosting friends or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is guaranteed to elevate any occasion with its delightful mix of flavors.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
- The sweet and tangy flavor profile will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more
- Its colorful presentation makes it visually appealing, turning any meal into a festive feast
- Itβs versatile enough for meal prep or serving over rice or noodles for added enjoyment
I remember watching my friends devour this dish at my last dinner party their smiles were worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts, ensuring they are fresh for optimal tenderness.
- Fresh Pineapple: Choose ripe pineapple for natural sweetness canned works too if youβre in a pinch.
- Bell Peppers: A mix of red and yellow adds color they should be firm and free from blemishes.
- Fresh Garlic: Select plump cloves for robust flavor minced garlic gives the best results.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps manage saltiness while enhancing the dishβs umami profile.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar balances the tanginess with its caramel notes feel free to adjust based on taste.
- Cornstarch: This thickening agent ensures your sauce has that delightful glossy finish.
- Vegetable Oil: Use high-smoke point oil like canola or peanut oil for frying without burning.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch as a garnish donβt skip them
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds make for an elegant finish sprinkled over the top.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Gather Your Ingredients
Prepare all ingredients by chopping chicken into bite-sized pieces and slicing bell peppers into thin strips. Keep everything within reach trust me, it makes cooking so much smoother.
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and cornstarch. Add chicken pieces to this mixture and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up those flavors.
SautΓ© the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add marinated chicken to the pan and cook until golden brown on all sides around 5-7 minutes releasing an aromatic scent that will have you salivating.
Add Vegetables
Toss in your sliced bell peppers along with pineapple chunks once the chicken is browned. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until peppers are slightly softened yet still crunchy.
Thicken the Sauce
Pour any remaining marinade over the stir-fry mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. The cornstarch will work its magic here and thicken the sauce beautifully while infusing everything with flavor.
Serve It Up
Once everything is coated evenly in that luscious sauce and heated through (about 1-2 minutes), remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that finishing touch before diving in
Now that youβve mastered Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry, donβt be surprised if your family starts requesting it weekly With its vibrant colors and explosive flavors, this dish not only satisfies hunger but also brings people together one delicious bite at a time. Enjoy
You Must Know
- Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is a colorful dish bursting with flavor
- The juicy pineapple balances the savory chicken, making it a family favorite
- This recipe is quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and offers delightful textures and tastes in every bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in juices, then stir-fry vegetables, adding pineapple last for freshness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken with shrimp or tofu and adjust the sweetness with extra honey if desired.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Perfecting your Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry requires attention to detail
- Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavors
- High heat is key for that fabulous stir-fry texture
- And remember, donβt overcrowd the pan cook in batches if needed for even cooking
Sharing this recipe brings back fond memories of hosting a dinner party where everyone raved about how delicious this dish was definitely a crowd-pleaser
FAQ
What can I substitute for pineapple in this stir-fry?
Mango or bell peppers can provide similar sweetness and texture if you prefer alternatives.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely Just use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for gluten-free options.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to elevate the heat level deliciously.

Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 4
Description
Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that transforms any meal into a festive occasion. Juicy chicken pieces are sautΓ©ed to golden perfection and tossed with fresh pineapple, colorful bell peppers, and a glossy sweet-and-sour sauce. This quick and easy recipe not only pleases the palate but also brings back cherished memories of family gatherings. Whether youβre serving it over rice or enjoying it solo, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 3β4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (mixed red and yellow)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ΒΌ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or peanut)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Slice the bell peppers into thin strips.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and cornstarch. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Add sliced bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
- Pour any remaining marinade over the stir-fry and simmer until thickened (1-2 minutes). Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For a different protein option, substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu. Adjust sweetness by adding more brown sugar or honey based on your preference.