Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry

When I think of a dish that brings a tropical twist to my weeknight dinners, I can’t help but think of Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry. The vibrant colors and fragrant aromas fill my kitchen, making it a delightful culinary experience. One evening, after a long day, I craved something fresh and exciting. I rummaged through my pantry and fridge, discovering beautiful ripe pineapple, crisp bell peppers, and tender chicken. My heart raced as I imagined the flavors coming together in a hearty stir fry. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that whisk me away to the streets of Thailand with every bite.

What You Need for Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry

For this Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry, we’ll be using a wonderful array of ingredients that balance flavors and textures beautifully. The star of the show is, of course, the chicken, but we will also incorporate a medley of vibrant vegetables and a sweet and savory sauce that ties everything together. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, making this dish not only delicious but also a visual delight.

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil – This is essential for sautéing and adds a lovely richness.
• 1 lb of uncooked chicken breasts, chopped – A lean protein that absorbs flavors wonderfully.
• 1/2 medium onion, diced – Offers a slight sweetness and depth to the stir fry.
• 1 red bell pepper, diced – Provides a pop of color and crunch.
• 1/2 cup of sliced carrots – Adds a nice sweetness and vibrant orange color.
• 1/2 cup of sliced celery – Provides a delightful crunch and freshness.
• 1/2 cup of diced pineapple (preferably fresh) – Brings a tropical sweetness that’s essential.
• 3 tablespoons of hoisin sauce – A rich, flavorful sauce that enhances the dish.
• 2 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce – Adds savory depth without too much salt.
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar – Adds a subtle tang that balances flavors.
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, more or less depending on sweet preference – Sweetens the dish perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon of red curry paste – Brings authentic Thai flavors and a bit of heat.
• 1 scant teaspoon of freshly grated ginger (or ¼ teaspoon ground) – Adds a spicy warmth.
• 3-5 cloves of garlic, minced – Infuses a robust flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon of dry basil – Offers a hint of herbal flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt, plus more to taste – Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper – Adds a subtle warmth.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch – Thickens the sauce beautifully.
• 1/3 cup of water – Helps create a lovely sauce consistency.
• Asian chili garlic paste/sauce to taste (we like a lot) – Adds heat and flavor complexity.
• 3-4 tablespoons of smooth peanut butter – Adds richness and depth.
• Plenty of fresh, chopped pineapple – For topping and freshness.
• Crushed peanuts – For garnish and crunch.
• Chopped green onion – Adds freshness and color.

How to Assemble Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry

Assembling the Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be savoring this delicious dish in no time. It’s all about timing and flavors; each step brings you closer to a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

1. Start by whisking together all the ingredients for the sauce, which include the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and red curry paste in a medium bowl. Make sure to set aside the peanut butter for later, as it will give the dish its creamy texture.
2. Next, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that it sizzles when you add the ingredients but not so hot that the oil smokes. This will help the chicken cook evenly.
3. Add the diced onion and chopped chicken to the pan. Cook while stirring frequently until the outside of the chicken is no longer pink, about 3 minutes. The onion should become translucent, adding a fragrant aroma to your kitchen.
4. Now it’s time to add in the diced red bell pepper, carrots, and celery. Stir-fry them for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly while still retaining their vibrant colors and crunch.
5. Then, stir in the diced pineapple and the sauce mixture you prepared earlier. Bring everything to a boil, watching as the colors meld together beautifully.
6. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to let it simmer. This is where the magic happens as it thickens up and the flavors deepen. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. After a few minutes, remove the skillet from heat and incorporate the peanut butter, stirring until it’s smooth and fully blended. This step will make your stir fry incredibly creamy and rich.
8. Before serving, taste the dish and adjust any seasoning as needed. If you want more sweetness, add a bit more brown sugar. For a tangier twist, add a splash of lime juice, or for added heat, mix in some Asian chili garlic paste or sriracha.
9. Finally, plate your stir fry and garnish it with plenty of fresh, chopped pineapple, crushed peanuts, and chopped green onion. This not only enhances the flavor but makes for a visually stunning presentation.
10. Serve the Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry hot over a bed of rice or noodles, and enjoy the tropical flavors!

Recipe Tips about Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry

To make the most out of your Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry, here are some helpful tips that can elevate your dish. Regardless of your cooking skills, these suggestions will guide you toward a successful stir fry that impresses everyone!

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freezing: If you want to prepare this dish in advance, it can be frozen. Just ensure you cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• Pairing: This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of vegetable spring rolls for a complete meal.
• Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, snap peas, or even zucchini work well in this recipe.
• Authenticity: For a more authentic Thai flavor, consider adding a splash of coconut milk towards the end for a creamy finish.
• Meal Prep: This recipe is fantastic for meal prep since it tastes great as leftovers, making lunch the next day something to look forward to.

What to Pair With Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry

Serving your Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry is just as important as preparing it. Here are some delicious ideas to enhance your meal:

• Steamed Rice: Serve this colorful dish over a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
• Noodles: For a different experience, try pairing it with rice noodles or soba noodles for a delightful twist.
• Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables make a crunchy companion to the stir fry, adding a delightful texture contrast.
• Perfect for Dinner Parties: This dish is not just a weeknight meal; it’s also great for dinner parties or casual gatherings where you want to impress guests.
• Lunch Box Friendly: Leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day. Just reheat and enjoy a quick, tasty meal.
• Seasonal Pairing: In summer, pair it with a light salad featuring cucumbers and mint for a refreshing balance to the meal.
• Festive Touches: Add festive elements if you’re serving this during special occasions, such as fresh herbs or spicy garnishes to surprise your guests.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry is truly special because it combines the sweetness of fresh pineapple with savory chicken and vibrant vegetables in a single dish. It’s a delightful way to experience the flavors of Thailand right at home. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s quick, easy, and offers a unique twist to your weeknight dinners. You won’t be disappointed!

Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry

The ultimate comfort food that combines the sweetness of fresh pineapple with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. The Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry is not only a feast for the eyes but also a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Make it tonight and impress your family!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 5 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Thai

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb uncooked chicken breasts, chopped
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced celery
• 1/2 cup diced pineapple (I prefer fresh)
• 3 tablespoons quality hoisin sauce (Lee Kum Kee or Kikkoman)
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar more or less depending on how sweet pineapple is
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 1 scant teaspoon freshly grated ginger (¼ teaspoon ground)
• 3-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dry basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/3 cup water
• Asian chili garlic paste/sauce to taste (we like a lot)
• 3-4 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
• plenty of fresh, chopped pineapple
• crushed peanuts
• chopped green onion

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk
• Grater
• Cutting Board
• Skillet
• Chef's Knife
• Large Pot

Method

 

1. Whisk together all of the Red Curry Hoisin Sauce ingredients in a medium bowl EXCEPT the peanut butter. Set aside.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and chicken and cook just until outside of chicken is no longer pink, about 3 minutes.
3. Add red bell pepper, carrots and celery and stir fry for 2 more minutes.
4. Stir in pineapple and Red Curry Hoisin Sauce and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until smooth. Taste and add additional sugar for sweeter, lime juice for tangier, Asian hot chili garlic sauce or sriracha for spicier.
6. Top with fresh pineapple, crushed peanuts and green onions. Serve with rice.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. You can add broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini for a different twist!

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Meet Maya Warren

Our main recipe developer and resident forager. My passion is cooking with what the season gives us, whether it’s wild mushrooms from the woods or fresh berries from the garden. I work with Chloe to create our main dishes and with Tessa on new flavor ideas for her bakes. I love the challenge of turning a fresh, raw ingredient into something magical.