Spicy Pineapple Chicken Stir-fry

Name: Spicy Pineapple Chicken Stir-fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, diced; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 onion, sliced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce; 2 teaspoons ginger, minced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Simple & Tasty Meals

I love making Spicy Pineapple Chicken Stir-fry because it transforms a regular weeknight dinner into something truly special. The combination of juicy pineapple and vibrant bell peppers with tender chicken creates a mouthwatering dish that's both sweet and savory. In just 30 minutes, I can whip this up, and the flavors always impress my family and friends. It's a quick and satisfying meal that never fails to brighten our dinner table.

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-01-30T00:03:28.577Z

When I first tried making Spicy Pineapple Chicken Stir-fry, I didn’t expect it to become a regular in our household. The balance of heat and sweet from the pineapple gives the dish a delightful twist that is hard to resist. I learned that marinating the chicken in soy sauce and ginger beforehand helps to enhance the flavors significantly.

During one of my experiments, I also discovered that adding cashews right at the end not only boosts the flavor profile but also adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and juicy pineapple. This simple tweak has made the dish even better!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect blend of spiciness and sweetness
Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
A colorful, vibrant dish that pleases the eyes and palate

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of chicken and pineapple creates a unique flavor profile in this dish. The chicken provides a hearty protein base, while the pineapple adds a refreshing sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce and spicy sriracha. When selecting your pineapple, fresh is ideal for its vibrant taste and texture, but canned works well too. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make the stir-fry soggy.

Bell peppers not only contribute to the color and visual appeal of the dish, but they also add a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and juicy pineapple. Using both red and green peppers enhances the overall flavor complexity; the red peppers are sweeter, while the green ones tend to be slightly more bitter. For a bit more versatility, feel free to mix in yellow or orange bell peppers if you have them on hand.

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

When sautéing the vegetables, it’s crucial to cook them just until they are tender-crisp. This not only preserves their vibrant colors but also ensures they maintain their healthful crunch. Keep an eye on the heat; if the oil begins to smoke, lower the temperature slightly. After about five minutes, the onions should be translucent, and the peppers should retain some bite—this is the perfect stage to introduce your marinated chicken.

As you add the chicken to the skillet, ensure it’s spread in a single layer for even cooking. Depending on the size of your chicken pieces, cooking may take around 10 minutes in total. Stir occasionally, but allow the chicken to sit for a short time to develop a slight golden crust on one side, which adds depth to the dish. A quick tip is to use a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and optimal tenderness.

Ingredients

Make sure to gather everything before you start cooking!

For the Stir-fry

2 chicken breasts, diced
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
2 teaspoons ginger, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Optional: Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal!

Cooking Steps

Follow these simple steps to create this delicious dish!

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the diced chicken, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, and minced ginger. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through.

Add Pineapple

Finally, add the pineapple chunks to the skillet and stir everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions, and enjoy your Spicy Pineapple Chicken Stir-fry!

Pair with rice for a complete and satisfying meal!

Pro Tips

For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Spicy Pineapple Chicken Stir-fry with a bed of steaming jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the flavors of the sauce. For a low-carb option, consider serving it over a bed of cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh cucumber salad. If you want to elevate your meal, a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped cilantro can add a beautiful garnish that enhances both appearance and flavor.

This dish can also be a great topping for baked sweet potatoes or served in lettuce wraps! If you're hosting, it makes an excellent filling for tacos. Using corn tortillas will complement the sweetness of the pineapples, while the spiciness of the chicken will keep everyone coming back for more.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead of time, which not only saves you stress on busy nights but also amplifies the flavor. Store the marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For leftovers, this stir-fry can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to avoid condensation and sogginess.

If you're considering freezing leftovers, portion them out in freezer-safe containers. This meal can hold up well in the freezer for about 2-3 months, but make sure to separate the chicken from the vegetables before freezing, as their texture may change. To reheat, you can stir-fry it in a hot pan or microwave it until warmed through, adding a splash of soy sauce to revive some of the flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Just cook them fresh when you're ready to eat.

→ What can I use instead of pineapple?

You may replace pineapple with mango for a different sweetness or bell peppers for a more savory dish.

→ Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild to medium spice level due to the sriracha. Adjust the amount according to your preference.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to ensure the stir-fry is gluten-free.