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Bowl of pineapple chicken served over white rice, garnished with green onions and filled with chicken, pineapple, red peppers, and onions.
5 from 3 votes

Pineapple Chicken

This Pineapple Chicken Recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry made with tender chicken, sweet pineapple chunks, crisp veggies, and a tangy-sweet sauce. It's healthier and faster than takeout and satisfies any craving for Sweet and Sour Chicken. Serve over rice or noodles for an easy, family-friendly dinner.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Marination Time (optional)30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 404kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs - cut into 1-inch strips
  • ¾ cup pineapple juice - divided
  • ¼ cup hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2-3 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 red onion - chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper - deseeded and chopped
  • cups pineapple chunks - fresh or canned
  • 3 cloves garlic - minced
  • sliced green onion - to garnish

Instructions

  • Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine ¼ cup pineapple juice, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Add the chicken strips, toss to coat, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 3 hours. Shortcut: If pressed for time, marinate at room temperature while prepping the vegetables. 
  • Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside. 
  • Cook the chicken: Heat 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade with a slotted spoon (discard marinade) and stir-fry for 4 to 6 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a clean plate. 
  • Stir-fry the vegetables: Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir-fry the onion and bell pepper for 2 minutes, then add the pineapple chunks and garlic. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, until fragrant. 
  • Add the sauce: Whisk the prepared sauce again and pour it into the skillet. Stir continuously as it comes to a gentle boil and thickens, about 3 minutes. 
  • Finish the dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the chicken is coated in the sauce. 
  • Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Freezing is not recommended.
  • Optional additions: Red pepper flakes (for heat), fresh ginger, sesame seeds, broccoli, carrots, etc.

Nutrition

Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 1669mg | Potassium: 740mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 1084IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2mg
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