Spicy Pineapple Chicken Stir-fry

Name: Spicy Pineapple Chicken Stir-fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup snap peas; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon chili flakes; 2 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Cooked rice; Chopped green onions; Sesame seeds

Highlighted under: World Cuisine

I absolutely adore this Spicy Pineapple Chicken Stir-fry! It's a vibrant dish filled with juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a delightful sweet and spicy sauce. The combination of pineapple and heat from the chili flakes creates a unique flavor profile that my family can’t get enough of. I love preparing this meal on busy weeknights because it’s quick to make and packed with colorful ingredients that make my plate come to life. Trust me, this dish will become a staple in your kitchen too!

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2026-01-30T00:49:29.616Z

When I first made this Spicy Pineapple Chicken Stir-fry, I was blown away by how quickly everything came together. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the wonderful aroma filled my kitchen. I found that using fresh pineapple really boosted the flavor and made the dish feel fresh and exciting. It was such a hit that my kids even asked for seconds!

One tip I have is to prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a technique that requires quick movements, so having everything chopped and ready to go makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You’ll impress your family with how quickly you can whip up dinner!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors
Quick and easy for busy weeknights
Packed with fresh, colorful vegetables
An exciting twist on traditional stir-fry

Balancing Flavors

The sweet and spicy balance in this Spicy Pineapple Chicken Stir-fry is pivotal to its success. The diced pineapple not only adds a natural sweetness but also contributes juiciness, which contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken. To enhance the sweet flavor, look for ripe, fragrant pineapples; underripe or overripe ones can disrupt this balance. Additionally, adjust the chili flakes to your heat preference—starting with just a teaspoon can provide a pleasant warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.

By using fresh vegetables like bell pepper and snap peas, you're not only enhancing the dish's color but also adding essential crunch and nutrition. Bell peppers bring a mild sweetness and vibrant color, while snap peas introduce a delightful snap with every bite. For a more varied texture, consider substituting with other vegetables like broccoli or asparagus that can hold their shape during the stir-frying process.

Cooking Techniques

The method of stir-frying at high heat is crucial for achieving that wonderful glossy finish while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. Make sure your skillet or wok is preheated before adding the vegetable oil; a drop of water should sizzle upon contact for the right temperature. Cook the chicken in a single layer to ensure even browning. If your skillet is too crowded, the chicken will steam rather than sear, affecting its texture.

When adding the garlic and ginger, be cautious not to burn them, as this can lead to a bitter taste. Stir-fry these aromatics for about 30 seconds until fragrant before adding the vegetables. This way, you'll extract their full flavor without compromising the dish's overall taste. Consistently stirring will prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, allowing those vibrant vegetables to stay crisp rather than becoming mushy.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smoother.

For the Stir-fry

1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup snap peas
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili flakes
2 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For Serving

Cooked rice
Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds

Enjoy your stir-fry over a bed of rice for a filling meal!

Instructions

Let’s get cooking!

Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and snap peas. Mince the garlic and ginger, and set aside.

Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the Vegetables

Stir in the garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and snap peas. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the veggies are tender.

Combine with Pineapple and Sauce

Add the pineapple, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.

Serve

Serve hot over cooked rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Enjoy your delicious homemade stir-fry!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 15 minutes before cooking.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Spicy Pineapple Chicken Stir-fry can be prepped ahead of time to make weeknight cooking even easier. You can marinate the chicken with soy sauce and chili flakes in advance, allowing the flavors to meld. Prepare and chop all your vegetables the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor as the chicken absorbs the marinade overnight.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. However, the stir-fry is best enjoyed fresh, as reheating may soften the crispness of the vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this colorful stir-fry over a bed of fluffy cooked rice—white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top just before serving. You could also accompany this dish with crispy wontons or egg rolls to create a more substantial meal that feels like takeout but is homemade.

To elevate the dish even further, consider offering extra toppings such as crushed peanuts or a drizzle of chili oil for those who enjoy even more heat. This can give your Spicy Pineapple Chicken Stir-fry a unique twist and cater to varying heat preferences among your guests or family.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bok choy.

→ Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Just store the stir-fry and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge.

→ What can I substitute for pineapple?

Mango or peach can work well if you're looking for a different sweet fruit.