Chicken-Pineapple Stir-Fry
A vibrant chicken and pineapple stir-fry with crunchy walnuts and fresh broccoli, flavored with soy, ginger, and garlic—perfect for a quick, sweet and savory meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain pineapple chunks in syrup and set aside.
- Pour boiling water over walnuts, then drain.
- Heat oil in a skillet and stir-fry walnuts until brown.
- Remove walnuts from the skillet.
- Stir-fry chicken strips, pressed garlic, sliced onion, and chopped ginger until chicken turns white.
- Remove chicken mixture from the skillet.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
- Return nuts and chicken mixture to the skillet.
- Add pineapple chunks to the skillet.
- Combine reserved pineapple syrup, cornstarch, and soy sauce in a small bowl.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook until thick and bubbly.
- Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute walnuts with cashews or peanuts for a different texture. If you prefer a spicier kick, add chili flakes or fresh chili peppers. Serve this stir-fry with jasmine rice or fried rice for a delicious accompaniment.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken-Pineapple Stir-Fry over a bed of fluffy rice, such as jasmine or brown rice, for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a light cucumber salad or steamed dumplings for a refreshing side. For a special touch, garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave, stirring occasionally, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to prevent drying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Pineapple Stir-Fry contains roughly 667 calories, with 14g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value) and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2791mg per serving (121% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple for a brighter flavor. Just make sure to cut it into chunks and add it towards the end of cooking so it retains some crunch.
What can I substitute for the chicken?
To make this stir-fry vegetarian, you can substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh. Both options will absorb the flavors of the sauce well and provide a satisfying texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Additionally, check the cornstarch for any gluten-containing additives.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).