Quick Juicy Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry (Print Version)

Tender chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and red onion tossed in a glossy sweet-savory sauce for a fast skillet dinner.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken and vegetables

01 - 1 1/4 lb (565 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as avocado or canola oil
05 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
06 - 1/2 medium red onion, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
07 - 2 cups (330 g) pineapple chunks, fresh or canned and drained
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

For the sauce and finish

10 - 3/4 cup (180 ml) pineapple juice
11 - 1/3 cup (80 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
12 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
13 - 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
14 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
15 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
16 - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
17 - Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk pineapple juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside and stir again before adding it to the skillet.
02 - Pat the chicken dry, then season it with salt and black pepper. Dry, evenly cut pieces brown faster and cook more evenly.
03 - Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and the center reaches 165 F. Transfer to a plate.
04 - Add bell pepper and red onion to the same pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the edges soften but the vegetables still have crunch.
05 - Stir in pineapple chunks, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant and the pineapple is hot.
06 - Stir the sauce once more, pour it into the skillet, and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until glossy and lightly thickened.
07 - Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and toss until coated. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds, then serve hot over rice or noodles.

# Notes:

01 - Best served right away while the vegetables are crisp and the sauce is glossy.
02 - Nutrition estimate does not include rice or noodles.
03 - Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.