How to Make Sweet & Savory Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

We all know the great food debate: Does pineapple belong on pizza? Maybe it’s time to move on from that argument and agree on something far tastier—pineapple absolutely belongs in savory dishes like this incredible Pineapple Chicken stir-fry.

Inspired by tropical flavors and Asian stir-fry techniques, this dish proves that pineapple can hold its own in the savory world. In fact, sweet-savory flavor combinations like pineapple and soy sauce can increase meal satisfaction and reduce cravings later. Win-win! So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that feels like takeout but tastes homemade, this pineapple chicken recipe is a must-try!

How to Make Sweet & Savory Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 | Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients

• • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips 
  • 1 red bell pepper, cubed
  • 1 bunch scallions, trimmed and sliced into 1/2-inch lengths
  • ½ fresh pineapple, cut into squares 
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Step 1: Core and Slice the Pineapple

Grab a fresh pineapple and slice off the top. Using a pineapple corer, twist and pull to remove the core and create perfect pineapple rings easily. Cut the rings into bite-sized squares and set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, 2 tablespoons olive oil, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Cut the chicken into strips using poultry shears—they make this step fast and safe. Add the chicken to the bowl and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the red bell peppers and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Toss in the scallions and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Chicken

Remove chicken from the marinade (save the marinade!) and add it to the hot pan. Cook, stirring frequently, for 10–12 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce and Add Pineapple

In a small bowl, whisk the reserved marinade with 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth—no lumps! Return the peppers and scallions to the pan, then add the fresh pineapple chunks. Pour in the cornstarch mixture and simmer until the sauce thickens about 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the hot pineapple chicken over steamed rice or noodles, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations for Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

• Use fresh pineapple over canned for the brightest flavor.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end for extra zing.
• Want more spice? Toss in some red chili flakes or sriracha.
• Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian option.
• Add extra veggies like snap peas, carrots, or baby corn for more crunch.
• Try it with teriyaki sauce for a Hawaiian-style twist.

Health Benefits of Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

This pineapple chicken stir-fry is a nutritious, satisfying dish. Chicken is high in lean protein, which helps build and repair muscles. Pineapple adds a vitamin C boost, antioxidants, and bromelain, a natural digestive enzyme. The bell peppers and scallions add fiber and additional micronutrients.

Cooking this dish at home also means you control the salt, oil, and sugar levels—unlike takeout versions. When served with brown rice or quinoa, it becomes a fiber-rich, balanced meal that won’t leave you hungry for an hour.

Make Your Own Pineapple Chicken Tonight!

If you're meal prepping for the week, craving tropical flavors, or just need to use up a ripe pineapple on your counter, this pineapple chicken recipe is an absolute winner. It comes together quickly, uses simple pantry ingredients, and satisfies that sweet-savory craving without relying on processed sauces or additives. Thanks to tools like the Zulay Kitchen Pineapple Corer and Poultry Shears, prepping this dish is fast and hassle-free. Just core, slice, stir, and serve—it’s that simple.

Other Kitchen Tools You Need for This Recipe

To make your Pineapple Chicken recipe smooth, mess-free, and extra enjoyable, here are the Zulay Kitchen essentials we recommend—and how they’ll help:

• • Olive Oil Dispenser Bottle: Measure, pour, and drizzle olive oil with precision and zero mess. 
  • Mixing Bowls Set: Perfect for marinating your chicken and mixing your sauce. These lightweight, non-slip bowls keep everything tidy during prep—no sliding around your counter when you're mixing soy sauce, oil, and seasonings.
  • Measuring Spoons: Use these durable, easy-to-read spoons to accurately measure the soy sauce, paprika, and cornstarch for the marinade and sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pineapple Chicken

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute canned pineapple chunks, but fresh pineapple delivers a brighter, tangier flavor and better texture. If you do use canned, drain it thoroughly and choose pineapple in juice, not syrup. You may also want to reduce the added salt or sugar to balance out the sweetness.

How do I store and reheat pineapple chicken?

Pineapple chicken stores well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm it on the stove or microwave until hot. The flavors actually intensify after a day, making it perfect for meal prep lunches. Avoid freezing as the pineapple's texture may change.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely. Replace the chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh. Press and cube the tofu, then marinate and cook as directed. Use coconut aminos or tamari for a soy-free, gluten-free sauce. The rest of the ingredients stay the same—pineapple, bell peppers, scallions—making it a flavorful vegan-friendly dish with a tropical twist.

What should I serve with pineapple chicken?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or rice noodles. You can also serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. 

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

No problem! You can substitute arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or even all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce. Mix it with a bit of water or the reserved marinade before adding it to the pan to prevent clumping. 

Can I grill the chicken instead of stir-frying?

Yes! Grilling the marinated chicken adds a smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully. Just be sure to cut the chicken into larger pieces for grilling. Serve with grilled pineapple chunks and drizzle the thickened sauce on top.