This Thai Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry is a vibrant dish with a perfect blend of savory chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful peppers. It’s cooked in a savory-sweet sauce that coats every bite in delicious flavor.
Not only does this dish deliver on taste, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. The combination of fresh ingredients, including the pop of pineapple sweetness, elevates this stir-fry to the next level of deliciousness. Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
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1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
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1/2 cup onion, sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 teaspoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
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Add the chicken breast pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
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In the same skillet, add the sesame oil. Once hot, add the onion, red and yellow bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until softened.
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Stir in the pineapple chunks, ground ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
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In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water, then stir into the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until well-coated and heated through.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origins of Thai Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry
Thai cuisine is known for its harmonious balance of flavors—spicy, sweet, sour, salty, and bitter—and Thai Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry embodies this well. The addition of pineapple to a savory dish like stir-fry is a common practice in many Thai recipes. Pineapple adds not only a sweet burst of flavor but also a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Stir-frying itself is a popular cooking method in Thai cuisine, where ingredients are quickly cooked over high heat in a small amount of oil, preserving their textures and flavors. The use of fresh ingredients, such as bell peppers, onions, and garlic, along with a variety of sauces, makes stir-fries incredibly adaptable. This dish combines the best of both worlds by incorporating the tropical sweetness of pineapple into a classic stir-fry recipe.
Why Choose Thai Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry?
There are numerous reasons why Thai Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry should be a regular part of your meal rotation. First and foremost, it is quick and easy to prepare. This dish requires minimal preparation time and can be cooked in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Furthermore, it offers a balanced meal in one pan—protein, vegetables, and fruit—without the need for complicated or time-consuming steps.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. While the recipe as written calls for chicken, you can easily substitute it with other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or even beef, depending on your preference. Additionally, the vegetables used in this dish—bell peppers and onions—can be swapped out for others such as carrots, zucchini, or snap peas.
Health Benefits of Thai Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry
Aside from its delicious flavor, Thai Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry offers several health benefits. It is a balanced dish that includes lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the sesame oil. Pineapple is also rich in vitamin C and manganese, both of which contribute to maintaining a healthy immune system and promoting strong bones. The dish’s fresh ingredients and minimal use of processed products also make it a great choice for those seeking clean, whole food meals.
Additionally, this stir-fry is relatively low in calories compared to other comfort food options. If you are looking to enjoy a flavorful dish without worrying about excess calories, this recipe fits the bill. It is naturally gluten-free when made with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, making it an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Cooking Tips for the Best Thai Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry
To ensure that your Thai Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry turns out perfectly, here are a few cooking tips to keep in mind:
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Use fresh pineapple: While canned pineapple is convenient, fresh pineapple will add a more vibrant and natural sweetness to the dish. It also gives the stir-fry a more authentic Thai flavor. When using fresh pineapple, be sure to cut it into bite-sized chunks to ensure it cooks evenly.
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Don’t overcook the chicken: The chicken should be cooked through but still juicy and tender. Overcooking it will make the meat dry and tough. Cook the chicken just until it is no longer pink in the center, then remove it from the pan to avoid overcooking during the rest of the stir-fry process.
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Control the heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to quickly cook the ingredients while preserving their texture. Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding the ingredients. A good tip is to have all your ingredients prepared and ready to go before you start cooking, as stir-frying happens quickly.
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Customize the spice level: The level of spiciness can easily be adjusted to suit your taste. If you prefer a mild stir-fry, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. For a more intense kick, add more chili or even fresh Thai bird’s eye chilies to bring heat to the dish.
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Use the right sauce: The sauce is a key component of any stir-fry, and in this recipe, the combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, and rice vinegar creates a wonderful balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors. You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness by modifying the amount of honey and soy sauce based on your preferences.
Pairing Thai Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry
While this dish is delicious on its own, you can elevate your meal by pairing it with a variety of sides. Thai Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, which complements the savory and sweet notes of the dish. If you prefer noodles, try serving it over rice noodles or egg noodles for a comforting twist.
To add a bit more crunch and freshness, serve the stir-fry alongside a light Thai-style salad made with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing. A Thai cucumber salad with lime, chili, and fish sauce would be a perfect side dish to enhance the overall meal experience.
The Versatility of Stir-Fries
One of the reasons stir-fries are so popular is their versatility. They can be customized to suit various dietary preferences, making them an excellent option for families with diverse tastes. In addition to substituting chicken for other proteins, you can modify the vegetable mix to include whatever you have on hand. Mushrooms, broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn are all great additions that would work well in this stir-fry.
If you prefer a lighter version of the dish, you can skip the cornstarch thickener for the sauce and enjoy a more broth-like consistency. Alternatively, for a richer, more indulgent version, add a handful of roasted peanuts or cashews for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
Conclusion
Thai Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that brings the taste of Thailand to your kitchen. Its balance of sweet and savory flavors, coupled with the freshness of pineapple, makes it a standout meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a family meal, or a gathering with friends, this stir-fry will be a crowd-pleaser.
With its versatility and simple ingredients, it’s a recipe that can easily be customized to suit different dietary needs and preferences. So why not give it a try and bring some Thai-inspired flavors into your kitchen? Your taste buds will thank you!