If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, delicious dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrition, you have to try this Healthy Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a mouthwatering combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and juicy pineapple chunks all brought together with a tangy, savory sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its delightful balance of sweet and savory but also in how it sneaks in a rainbow of colorful vegetables, making it a feast for both your eyes and your taste buds. Perfect for weeknights when you want something quick, wholesome, and utterly satisfying, this stir fry hits every mark of a memorable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but every single one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrance in your Healthy Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. From the juicy pineapple chunks to the tender chicken and crunchy veggies, each item contributes to a harmonious dish that feels both fresh and comforting.
- Avocado oil: A heart-healthy oil with a high smoke point, perfect for stir frying your chicken and vegetables.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Diced into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Small red onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and a tender crisp texture when lightly cooked.
- Red bell pepper: Brings bright color and a natural sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- Yellow bell pepper: Adds even more vibrant color and a mild, fruity flavor.
- Broccoli florets: Provide crunch along with nutritional punch and a pop of green.
- Can of pineapple chunks: This juicy sweetness is the star, tying in the tropical twist that makes the dish unique.
- Pineapple juice (reserved): Used in the sauce to enhance that fresh pineapple flavor.
- Rice wine vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to keep the sauce balanced.
- Soy sauce (or tamari): Brings umami richness and depth to your stir fry.
- Sesame oil: Just a small amount for a toasty, aromatic finish in the sauce.
- Arrowroot powder (or cornstarch): Helps the sauce thicken and cling beautifully to every ingredient.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds a nutty crunch that’s irresistible.
- Cooked rice: The perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
How to Make Healthy Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken breasts. Cooking them until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust ensures that they stay juicy inside and flavorful throughout. Make sure you cook the chicken evenly by spreading it out in the pan so it sears instead of steams. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside, discarding any excess liquid from the pan to keep everything crisp.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add the remaining avocado oil to your pan and toss in the diced red onion, red and yellow bell peppers, and broccoli florets. The goal here is to cook the vegetables until just tender-crisp—this will keep their vibrant color, fresh taste, and satisfying crunch intact. This step is where the dish starts to come alive with bright, lively textures and aromas that promise a delight with every bite.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the vegetables are gently cooking, whisk together your sauce ingredients in a bowl. Combine the reserved pineapple juice, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), sesame oil, and arrowroot powder (or cornstarch). This mixture brings all the flavors of your stir fry together—sweet, tangy, salty, and savory—and the arrowroot powder will help create that perfect thick glaze that clings to every morsel.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Now it’s time to unite all your elements! Add the cooked chicken and pineapple chunks back into the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir thoroughly. Keep cooking while stirring until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients in a luscious, shiny coating. The pineapple pieces add bursts of juicy sweetness that contrast beautifully against the savory chicken and crisp veggies. This final step is where your Healthy Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe truly sings.
How to Serve Healthy Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the top right before serving for an extra layer of flavor and a subtle crunch. You might also add chopped fresh green onions or a few cilantro leaves if you want a fresh herbal note to elevate the dish further.
Side Dishes
Serving this stir fry over a bed of fluffy cooked rice is classic and ideal for soaking up the delicious sauce. Feel free to try brown rice or quinoa for a heartier or nutrient-packed base. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works wonderfully, adding a subtle texture and keeping things light.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of fun, try serving your Healthy Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a tropical, festive presentation that’s sure to impress. You could also spoon it over noodles or even stuff it into lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your stir fry cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick and tasty lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
While you can freeze the Healthy Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, keep in mind that some vegetables like bell peppers may lose a bit of their original texture after thawing. Freeze in a well-sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy, which works beautifully in this stir fry. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a minute or two longer to cook through.
Is there a substitute for arrowroot powder?
If you don’t have arrowroot powder, cornstarch is an excellent substitute and will thicken the sauce just as well. Use the same amount and mix it thoroughly into the sauce to avoid clumps.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari, which is gluten-free. This little swap keeps the integrity of the dish while catering to gluten sensitivities.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to customize with snap peas, carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms—anything that adds color and crunch. Just keep in mind varying cooking times and add ingredients accordingly to ensure everything finishes tender-crisp.
How can I make this stir fry spicier?
To turn up the heat, add thinly sliced fresh chili peppers while sautéing the vegetables, or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when adding the sauce. A splash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce on the side is another tasty option.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but comes together easily enough for a casual weeknight. It’s colorful, balanced, and bursting with flavor and textures that keep you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. So grab your apron and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
Print
Healthy Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Healthy Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant, quick-cooking dish combining tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and sweet pineapple chunks in a tangy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal, it offers a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors, all stir-fried to a crisp-tender perfection.
Ingredients
Protein and Oil
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Vegetables
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 small head broccoli, cut into small florets
Fruit
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks
Sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (reserved from the can)
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
Garnish and Serving
- Sesame seeds
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it is browned on all sides and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and drain any excess liquid.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil to the same pan. Add the diced red onion, red and yellow bell peppers, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, maintaining a slight crunch.
- Make Sauce: While the vegetables cook, whisk together the pineapple juice reserved from the can, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, and arrowroot powder or cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken and pineapple chunks to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir well to combine. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Serve the pineapple chicken stir-fry hot over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Arrowroot powder and cornstarch can be used interchangeably to thicken the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of pineapple juice based on desired sauce consistency.
- For extra flavor, toast the sesame seeds before garnishing.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal.
