Dinner

Pineapple Chicken Recipe

ByIsabella Vance October 14, 2025October 14, 2025

Introduction

Pineapple Chicken is a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Tender chicken pieces are cooked with fresh vegetables and pineapple chunks, then simmered in a rich, tangy sauce. It’s a dish that brings a tropical twist to your dinner table with minimal effort.

The dish is served in a black cast iron pan placed on a white marbled surface. It contains many small, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a thick, glossy, dark brown sauce. Mixed among the chicken are chunks of yellow pineapple and red bell peppers, adding bright splashes of color. The dish is garnished with small green scallion pieces and a light sprinkling of white sesame seeds all over. A striped white and gray cloth is partially visible in the top right corner, and some fresh green scallions rest at the upper left edge of the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tsp vegetable oil
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp cornstarch
1 Tbsp sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Add the red bell pepper and pineapple chunks, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the pepper is tender.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and cornstarch until well combined.
Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a low simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Serve the pineapple chicken topped with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Enjoy your flavorful meal!

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add chopped cashews or water chestnuts when you add the bell pepper.
Swap hoisin sauce with oyster sauce for a different flavor profile.
Use fresh pineapple for a brighter taste, or canned for convenience—just drain the chunks if needed.

Storage

Store leftover pineapple chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through to keep the chicken tender and the sauce flavorful.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white plate with a base layer of fluffy white rice spread evenly across it. On top of the rice, there is a thick layer of glossy, brown glazed chicken chunks mixed with small pieces of red bell pepper and bits of green onion, giving a pop of color. The chicken pieces look tender and shiny, coated in a rich sauce with visible sesame seeds sprinkled on top. The plate is set on a white marbled textured surface, and there is a black cast iron pan with more of the chicken mixture partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce substitutes. Confirm labels when purchasing to ensure the ingredients meet your dietary needs.