The tantalizing aroma of Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry wafts through the air, a delightful masterpiece that dances between tangy and sweet flavors. The vibrant colors of bell peppers and pineapple chunks mingle together, creating a dish that not only excites your taste buds but also paints a beautiful picture on your plate.

I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family on a busy weeknight. With laughter bubbling in the kitchen and my kids eagerly waiting at the table, it quickly turned into a cherished family favorite. Perfect for those spontaneous gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe promises to deliver an amazing flavor experience that you won’t forget.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- The explosion of flavors will have everyone asking for seconds
- Its vibrant colors add visual appeal to your dinner table, making it perfect for entertaining guests
- This dish is versatile enough to adapt to what’s in your fridge, allowing endless variations
I remember the smiles on my family’s faces when I served this stir-fry it was pure joy on their plates.
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.
- Fresh Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red and green for added color and crunch they bring an exciting texture to your stir-fry.
- Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple works best for sweetness canned is fine but may lack that zing.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves add aromatic depth finely chop them to release all their flavorful goodness.
- Ginger: A small piece of fresh ginger adds warmth and spice peel it before grating.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar balances out the acidity of the pineapple it adds caramel notes too.
- Cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce and gives your stir-fry that glossy finish everyone loves.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying, choose oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil for best results.
For the Sauce:
- Rice Vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar adds tanginess it complements the sweetness wonderfully.
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle enhances the overall flavor profile with its nutty aroma.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing and chopping your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Dice the chicken into cubes, ensuring even cooking later. Set everything aside in bowls.
Create the Sauce Mix: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and sesame oil until smooth. This mixture will become your savory-sweet sauce.
Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Once hot (you see shimmering), it’s time to cook
Add Chicken First: Toss in diced chicken pieces into the hot pan. Stir-fry until they turn golden brown and are cooked through about 5 to 7 minutes should do it.
Toss in Vegetables and Pineapple : Add garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and pineapple chunks next. Stir everything together until veggies soften slightly keep them colorful
Pour Over Sauce Mixture : Finally, pour your prepared sauce over chicken and vegetables. Stir continuously until everything is well-coated and bubbly this should take about 2 minutes.
And there you have it Serve this delightful Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry over steamed rice or noodles for an unforgettable meal that brings smiles all around
You Must Know
- Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is not just a dish it’s a tropical escape on your plate
- The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory creates an irresistible flavor profile
- With colorful veggies and juicy pineapple, it’s visually stunning, making dinner feel like a celebration
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to lock in flavor. Sear it until golden, then add veggies and pineapple for a quick stir-fry that retains crunchiness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu. Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added texture and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat quickly in a skillet over medium heat to maintain freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh pineapple for the best sweetness and texture canned can be too mushy
- Searing the chicken until crispy enhances flavor, so don’t rush it Always taste as you cook to adjust seasoning, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors
The first time I made Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry was during a family gathering, and my mom declared it her favorite dish ever who knew pineapple could unite us?
FAQ
What can I substitute for chicken in this stir-fry?
You can use shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh for a delicious alternative.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely Broccoli, carrots, or snow peas add color and nutrition to the dish.
How spicy can I make Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry?
Adjust spiciness by adding chili flakes or hot sauce according to your taste preference.

Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry is a vibrant, quick-cooking dish that combines juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and sweet pineapple chunks in a tangy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this stir-fry offers a delightful explosion of flavors that will leave everyone craving more. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for an unforgettable meal that’s both visually appealing and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 3–4 pieces)
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed red and green)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or peanut)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Wash and chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Dice the chicken into cubes.
- Create the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and sesame oil until smooth.
- Heat the pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook the chicken: Add diced chicken to the hot pan and stir-fry for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add vegetables and pineapple: Stir in garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and pineapple chunks. Cook until veggies soften slightly.
- Pour in the sauce: Add the prepared sauce mixture to the pan and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until everything is well-coated and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg