Pineapple Chicken

This pineapple chicken is juicy, saucy, and packed with flavor in every bite! Tender chicken pieces are coated in a rich, glossy sauce that’s slightly sweet, a little tangy, and perfectly balanced with hints of garlic, ginger, and sesame.

The fresh pineapple chunks add a burst of natural sweetness, while the red bell peppers bring a pop of color and a crisp bite.

Everything cooks in one pan, making it an easy meal that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.

Serve it over fluffy rice, and you’ve got a dish that’s both satisfying and simple to make.

Table of Contents

Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks)
1 red bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained if using canned)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
½ cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions (sliced)

Instructions

Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt and black pepper. Cook until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced red bell pepper and stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, chicken broth, and sesame oil. Stir everything well to coat.
Add the pineapple chunks and let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Toss everything to coat evenly.
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips For Making Pineapple Chicken

For the juiciest chicken and the most flavorful sauce, keep these simple tips in mind:

Sear the chicken properly: Cook the chicken on medium-high heat without stirring too much in the beginning. This helps develop a golden-brown crust that adds more flavor to the dish.
Balance the sweetness: If your pineapple is very sweet, add a little extra vinegar or soy sauce to keep the sauce from being overly sugary.
Thicken the sauce correctly: Stir the cornstarch mixture well before adding it to the pan to prevent lumps. Let it cook for at least a minute to reach the right consistency.
Use high heat for the bell peppers: This keeps them crisp and prevents them from becoming soggy. Stir-fry them quickly before adding the sauce.
Adjust seasoning after adding the sauce: Taste the sauce once it thickens, and adjust with a little more soy sauce or honey if needed.
Serve immediately: The sauce thickens as it cools, so it’s best enjoyed fresh while everything is hot and glossy.

Variations Of Pineapple Chicken

Try these different ways to customize the dish while keeping it just as flavorful:

Swap the protein: Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture, or try shrimp for a seafood twist.
Make it spicy: Add a chopped red chili or a teaspoon of chili flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
Add more vegetables: Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots all work well in this dish and add extra texture.
Use a different sauce base: If you like a deeper flavor, add a tablespoon of oyster sauce to the mix.
Try grilling the chicken: Instead of stir-frying, grill the marinated chicken pieces for a smoky, charred flavor, then toss them in the sauce.

What To Serve With Pineapple Chicken?

Pair this dish with simple sides for a complete meal:

Steamed white rice
Fried rice
Garlic butter noodles
Stir-fried vegetables
Cabbage slaw
Roasted potatoes

Can I Prep Pineapple Chicken In Advance?

Yes! You can prep different parts of the dish ahead of time to make cooking faster:

Cut and marinate the chicken: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Chop the vegetables and pineapple: Keep them in a separate container so they stay fresh.
Make the sauce: Mix all the sauce ingredients and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just stir well before using.

How To Store Pineapple Chicken?

If you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:

Refrigerate: Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How To Reheat Pineapple Chicken?

Reheating the dish properly keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce smooth:

Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium-low heat, add a splash of water or broth, and stir until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid drying out the sauce.
Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until warm.