Sweet Pineapple Chicken

Featured in: 30-Minute Dinners

Bring a tropical vibe to your weeknight meals with this quick pineapple chicken! Juicy chunks of pineapple cook with tender chicken in a perfectly sweet and tangy sauce. Easy to make, full of flavor, and great when served over rice for a quick, feel-good dinner.
punchofyummy
Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:59:47 GMT
Close-up of chicken with pineapple, bell peppers, sesame seeds, and green onions in a bowl. Pin it
Close-up of chicken with pineapple, bell peppers, sesame seeds, and green onions in a bowl. | pinchofyummy.com

I've gotta tell you about my Tangy Sweet Pineapple Chicken that's become my ultimate weeknight savior. I whipped this up when I was scrambling for something speedy but still wanted tons of taste. When juicy chicken meets sweet pineapple in this mouthwatering sauce, it's straight-up kitchen magic and only takes a few minutes to toss together.

What Makes It Special

This dish is my lifeline when dinner needs to happen fast but I'm still craving something tasty. The way the sweet pineapple works with the hearty chicken creates this flavor combo my family can't get enough of. And guess what? It's done in just 25 minutes - perfect when your schedule's gone crazy.

Grab These Items

  • Chicken: Grab boneless skinless cuts chopped into small chunks
  • Pineapple: Canned works fine but fresh brings extra wow
  • Soy Sauce: This brings that yummy savory kick
  • Pineapple Juice: The key player for our zingy sauce
  • Sesame Seeds: They add such a delightful crunchy touch
  • Green Onions: For brightness and a pop of fresh taste
  • Cornstarch: This turns our sauce all thick and shiny

Cooking Steps

Brown Your Chicken
Add some seasoning to those chicken pieces and cook until they're golden and delicious.
Create Your Sauce
Mix your soy sauce pineapple juice and cornstarch until it's all blended then let it simmer and thicken.
Add The Sweet Stuff
Drop in those pineapple chunks with your chicken and let everything mingle together.
Top It Off
Scatter green onions and sesame seeds over everything before you serve it up.

Clever Shortcuts

Wanna make this dish even better? Let your chicken soak in the sauce before you cook it. Don't worry if you've only got canned pineapple - it works great too. And always use the cornstarch - it's what gives you that awesome thick sauce you get at restaurants.

Perfect Pairings

We love this spooned over steaming white rice but it's super tasty with quinoa too. Watching carbs? Try it with cauliflower rice instead. Throw some quick stir-fried veggies on the side and you've got a complete meal that beats takeout any day.

The Flavor Magic

There's just something magical about how the sweet pineapple chunks mix with the savory chicken pieces. The sauce ties it all together, hitting that perfect sweet-savory spot that makes everyone reach for seconds.

Try These Too

If this dish becomes your new favorite like it is at my house, you'll probably enjoy checking out other quick tasty meals on my blog. I'm always posting new stuff that makes cooking feel fun instead of a daily chore.

A close-up view of stir-fried chicken pieces mixed with pineapples, red bell peppers, and a shiny sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds in a black bowl. Pin it
A close-up view of stir-fried chicken pieces mixed with pineapples, red bell peppers, and a shiny sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds in a black bowl. | pinchofyummy.com

Ideal For Busy Days

Look, I totally get it, some evenings are complete madness. That's exactly why this dish is my go-to. Just a few simple ingredients, half an hour max, and dinner's ready. No hassle, no complications, just yummy food everyone will smile about.

Switch Things Up

What's awesome about this meal is how easily you can change it. Sometimes I throw in tofu or shrimp instead of chicken. Other days I'll toss in whatever veggies look good. Just play around with it and make it yours.

Tropical Dinner Vibes

This dish always takes me to island getaways in my mind. Something about juicy pineapple with those savory flavors feels like a sunny beach somewhere far away. It's like taking a tiny vacation right at your table.

Lunch Box Winner

Looking for weekly lunches? This dish has got your back. It heats up wonderfully and actually tastes even better the following day after all those flavors get friendly. Just pair it with different sides each day to keep things fresh.

Wow Your Guests

Don't let how easy this is fool you, it's totally worthy of company. The colors look amazing, the taste is fantastic, and friends always ask how you made it. Plus you can actually hang out at your own party instead of hiding in the kitchen all night.

Healthier Options

Want to trim it down a bit? No problem. Go for chicken breast, don't add any extra sugar, and serve it with cauliflower rice instead. You'll still get all those awesome flavors just in a lighter way.

You'll Come Back To This

This has turned into one of those dishes I know I can always count on. It's fast enough for crazy weeknights, fancy enough for friends, and flexible enough for picky eaters. And that sweet tangy sauce? Seriously addictive. Give it a try once and you'll see why it's on repeat in my kitchen.

A vibrant dish of chicken stir-fry featuring pineapple chunks, red bell peppers, and green onions in a glossy sauce. Pin it
A vibrant dish of chicken stir-fry featuring pineapple chunks, red bell peppers, and green onions in a glossy sauce. | pinchofyummy.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use canned pineapple?
Absolutely, canned chunks work just fine. Save the juice for the sauce and drain the pieces before adding them.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for 3 days. Warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave.
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yep, boneless thighs are perfect and stay super juicy. Chop them up like the chicken breast pieces.
→ What can I serve with this?
Pair it with steamed rice or noodles. Toss in broccoli or vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
→ How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?
The sauce should coat a spoon and leave a trail if you swipe your finger through it.

Pineapple Chicken

Juicy pineapple and tender chicken in a flavorful sauce that's both sweet and tangy. Done in just 25 minutes for an easy dinner!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Amelia

Category: 30-Minute Dinners

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian Flavor

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon olive oil.
02 1/3 cup soy sauce.
03 1 cup pineapple chunks.
04 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless and diced.
05 1/2 cup pineapple juice.
06 2 tablespoons brown sugar.
07 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
08 Green onions for topping (optional).
09 Sesame seeds for sprinkling (optional).
10 A pinch of salt and pepper to suit your taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up olive oil in a big skillet on medium heat.

Step 02

Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken, cook until golden and fully done.

Step 03

Mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce together in the skillet, let it start simmering.

Step 04

Pour in cornstarch mixture, stir till the sauce gets thicker.

Step 05

Put chicken and pineapple chunks into the skillet, coat everything in the sauce.

Step 06

Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, then top with garnishes and serve hot with rice.

Notes

  1. Let the chicken soak in marinade for 30 minutes if you’ve got time.
  2. Fresh or canned pineapple both work perfectly.

Tools You'll Need

  • Wide skillet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Soy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 32 g