If you’re craving a fun, flavorful dish that bursts with tropical vibes, then look no further than this Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Sesame Seeds Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, juicy pineapple chunks, and a luscious sweet chili sauce that just dances on your taste buds. The toasted sesame seeds add a delightfully nutty crunch, making every bite a true delight. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for friends, this recipe brings all the vibrant colors and mouthwatering tastes to your table with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Sesame Seeds Recipe are surprisingly straightforward but totally essential to capturing that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Each item plays its role, from the tender chicken offering a hearty base to the pineapple adding freshness and sweetness, and the sauces bringing depth and that irresistible glaze.
- Vegetable oil: Helps to get a nice sear on the chicken while preventing sticking.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Cut into bite-size pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Fresh or canned pineapple: Adds a juicy burst of sweetness that brightens the dish.
- Minced garlic: For that aromatic punch that livens up the flavors.
- Minced ginger: Brings a subtle warmth and zest to each bite.
- Pineapple juice: Amplifies the tropical sweetness and helps make the sauce.
- Soy sauce: Provides the salty umami backbone of the dish.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce rich and flavorful while thinning it slightly.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a beautiful sweet and tangy complexity.
- Brown sugar: Enhances the caramel notes in the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Cold water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry for thickening.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted on top to lend a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that draws out the best flavors in the chicken.
- Green onion: Chopped fresh for a pop of color and mild onion flavor as garnish.
- Chili garlic sauce (optional): For those who crave an extra kick of sweetness and heat.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Sesame Seeds Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by drying the chicken pieces with paper towels, which helps them brown nicely in the pan. Cut into bite-sized chunks, then season evenly with salt and pepper. This ensures every piece is flavorful from the very first bite.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir to coat every piece in oil. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and fully cooked. Browning the chicken creates a beautiful texture and deep flavor.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan and Add Aromatics
Pour ¼ cup of chicken broth into the pan, gently scraping the bottom to loosen all those savory browned bits—this step adds incredible depth to your sauce. Immediately after, add the minced garlic and ginger. Let them cook for around 30 seconds until fragrant, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
Step 4: Create and Simmer the Sauce
Mix together pineapple juice, soy sauce, remaining chicken broth, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into the pan with your chicken and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This combination delivers a perfectly balanced sauce that’s sweet, salty, and just a touch tangy.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a separate small bowl, stir cornstarch and cold water together until smooth to make a slurry. Add this to the pan and stir well. Keep cooking for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken pieces beautifully.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
If you want to dial up the sweet and spicy factor, stir in about half a cup of sweet chili Thai sauce. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top to add a crunchy, nutty finish that makes this dish extra special.
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Sesame Seeds Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds makes the dish pop visually and adds fresh, crunchy texture. If you love a little heat, drizzle some extra chili garlic sauce on top for a spicy flair.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry is stunning served over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice, which soak up the delicious sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, pair it with cauliflower rice or crisp stir-fried veggies for added greens and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or meal prep, serve your Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry in colorful bell pepper halves or over a bed of crunchy lettuce leaves to create handheld lettuce wraps. You can also pile it over noodles for a fun twist that adds chewy texture to every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making next-day servings even tastier.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pineapple instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen pineapple works just as well and adds the same lovely sweetness. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid making the stir-fry too watery.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If hoisin isn’t available, try substituting with a mix of soy sauce and a bit of honey or molasses for sweetness. It won’t be exactly the same but will still give a nice depth to the dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe is mildly sweet and tangy, but you can easily customize the heat level by adding more or less chili garlic sauce according to your preference.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a fantastic option because they stay juicy and tender throughout cooking, adding extra flavor and richness to the dish.
What can I use instead of sesame seeds?
If you don’t have sesame seeds, chopped toasted peanuts or almonds can add a similar crunchy texture and nutty taste as a great garnish alternative.
Final Thoughts
Making this Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Sesame Seeds Recipe is like bringing a tropical getaway right into your kitchen. It’s vibrant, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to prepare, which makes it a new favorite to turn to time and time again. Give it a try and watch how it brightens up your dinner routine with every bite!
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Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Sesame Seeds Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Pineapple Chicken recipe features tender bite-sized pieces of chicken cooked in a flavorful sweet and savory pineapple sauce with garlic, ginger, and hoisin. Finished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions, it’s a simple stovetop dish perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner served over rice.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1–1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite size pieces
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Sauce and Flavorings
- 2 cups fresh or canned pineapple, cut into bite size pieces
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- ¾ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2/3 cup chicken broth (divided)
- 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Green onion, chopped (for garnish)
- Chili garlic sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Dry both sides of the chicken pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a bowl and season with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Mix well to evenly coat all pieces.
- Heat the Oil: Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot oil and stir to ensure all pieces are coated in oil.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour ¼ cup of chicken broth into the pan. Use a utensil to scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits stuck to it.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced ginger and garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, remaining chicken broth (approximately ⅓ cup), hoisin sauce, and brown sugar.
- Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the chicken and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir until smooth.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir continuously. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Add Optional Spice: For extra sweet and spicy flavor, optionally add ½ cup of sweet chili Thai sauce and stir to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the dish. Serve hot over cooked rice.
Notes
- Use either chicken breasts or thighs; thighs will be more tender and juicy.
- Fresh pineapple adds a brighter flavor, but canned pineapple works well too.
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
