Pineapple Chicken

Posted on December 29, 2025

Sweet and sticky Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish that can elevate any weeknight dinner. This recipe combines tender chicken with juicy pineapple, creating a balance of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love. It’s not only easy to make but also versatile enough for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep and cooking time, you can serve a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavorful Combination: The mix of pineapple and chicken creates a mouthwatering taste that’s both sweet and savory.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this dish, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in tacos for varied meal experiences.
Easily Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or adjust the sweetness to suit your palate.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Pineapple Chicken, gather the necessary tools for a smooth cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large pan
Mixing bowls
Utensils for stirring
Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

Large pan: Essential for evenly cooking the chicken and combining all ingredients without crowding.
Mixing bowls: Helps in preparing sauces and marinating ingredients prior to cooking.
Utensils for stirring: Ensure that all ingredients are mixed thoroughly during the cooking process.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right flavor balance in your dish.

Ingredients

Sweet and sticky Pineapple Chicken is a delicious and easy stir fry that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The pineapple and crispy chicken pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory sauce. Serve it over rice and you have a home run meal!

Ingredients:
– 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
– 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-size pieces)
– 2 cups fresh or canned pineapple (cut into bite-size pieces)
– 1 teaspoon minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon minced ginger
– ¾ cup pineapple juice
– ¼ cup soy sauce
– 2/3 cup chicken broth (divided)
– 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons cold water
– 2 Tablespoons sesame seeds
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
– Green onion (chopped for garnish)
– Chili garlic sauce (optional)

How to Make Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Dry both sides of the chicken with paper towels. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and place them in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, mixing thoroughly to ensure every piece is well-coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot oil. Stir to coat all pieces evenly. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, occasionally stirring until browned on all sides and fully cooked through.

Step 3: Add Flavor Enhancers

Pour in ¼ cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any stuck bits from the bottom. Then, add minced garlic and ginger to the pan, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate small bowl, mix together pineapple juice, soy sauce, remaining chicken broth, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar until combined.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add this sauce mixture to the pan with cooked chicken. Bring it to a simmer while stirring gently to incorporate all flavors.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

In another small bowl, combine cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pan while stirring continuously. Cook for an additional few minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Garnish your Pineapple Chicken with sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or your preferred side dish. Optionally drizzle with chili garlic sauce for an extra kick!

How to Serve Pineapple Chicken

Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a casual family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, these serving suggestions will elevate your Pineapple Chicken.

Over Rice

Serve it hot over fluffy steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Jasmine or basmati rice works particularly well.

In Lettuce Wraps

For a lighter option, spoon the Pineapple Chicken into crisp lettuce leaves. This adds a refreshing crunch and makes for a fun finger food.

With Noodles

Toss the Pineapple Chicken with cooked noodles like egg noodles or rice noodles for a hearty meal. The noodles absorb the flavors beautifully.

As a Salad Topper

Add the Pineapple Chicken on top of mixed greens for a vibrant salad. Drizzle with extra hoisin sauce for added flavor.

In Tacos

Use soft tortillas to wrap the Pineapple Chicken, adding fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro for a unique twist on taco night.

With Extra Sauce

Serve with additional sauce on the side for those who love extra flavor. A small bowl of sweet chili sauce can also complement it nicely.

How to Perfect Pineapple Chicken

To ensure your Pineapple Chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Choose Quality Chicken: Use fresh, boneless chicken breasts or thighs for tender and juicy results.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh pineapple and vegetables to enhance flavor and texture.
Control the Heat: Cook on medium-high heat to get a nice sear on the chicken while ensuring it cooks through without burning.
Thicken Sauce Properly: Make sure to mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the sauce to avoid clumping.
Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning at each step; this ensures balanced flavors in your final dish.
Let It Rest: Allow your dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute juices in the chicken.

Best Side Dishes for Pineapple Chicken

Pairing your Pineapple Chicken with complementary side dishes can enhance its flavors and create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:

Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing the sweetness of the dish.
Fried Rice: A savory fried rice with peas and carrots makes a hearty pairing that complements the sweetness of pineapple.
Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice pairs beautifully with Pineapple Chicken, enhancing its tropical vibe.
Grilled Vegetables: Charred bell peppers, zucchini, and onions add smoky flavors that contrast nicely with the sweet chicken.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides freshness and a bit of tang that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with diced vegetables offers an excellent source of protein and fiber while keeping things healthy.
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter make for an indulgent side that everyone will love.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Slightly caramelized sweet potatoes bring out natural sweetness that complements the dish perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pineapple Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can make or break your dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Using old ingredients: Fresh pineapple and quality chicken make a big difference in flavor. Always check the freshness of your ingredients before starting.
Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoned chicken can lead to bland dishes. Make sure to season your chicken adequately with salt and pepper before cooking.
Overcooking the chicken: This can result in dry meat. Keep an eye on the cooking time and remove the chicken from heat as soon as it’s cooked through.
Skipping the cornstarch slurry: This crucial step helps thicken your sauce. Make sure to mix cornstarch with water before adding it to the pan.
Ignoring the garnishes: Garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions enhance both taste and presentation. Don’t skip them for a more appealing dish.

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Pineapple Chicken in an airtight container.
It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pineapple Chicken

You can freeze Pineapple Chicken for up to 3 months.
Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring as much air is removed as possible.

Reheating Pineapple Chicken

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pineapple Chicken?

Pineapple Chicken is a delicious stir fry made with tender chicken pieces, fresh pineapple, and a sweet-savory sauce that’s perfect over rice.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.

How spicy is Pineapple Chicken?

The spiciness largely depends on any optional ingredients added, like chili garlic sauce. Feel free to adjust according to your preference!

What sides go well with Pineapple Chicken?

Pineapple Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Pineapple Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the sweetness level of the sauce. Give it a try and enjoy this tasty dish at home!