Chicken-Pineapple-Walnut Stir Fry
A flavorful chicken stir fry with pineapple and walnuts, combining sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal for family or friends.
Ingredients
- 20 oz. can pineapple chunks in syrup ⓘ
- boiling water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups walnuts ⓘ
- vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons ginger root, chopped ⓘ
- 1 whole chicken breast, split, boned and sliced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and pressed ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. broccoli, cut into flowerets ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon corn starch ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain pineapple, reserving syrup. Pour hot water over walnuts, let stand 2 minutes, then drain.
- Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok or skillet. Stir fry walnuts until brown, then remove and drain.
- Add more oil if needed, stir fry sliced chicken until it turns white.
- Add diced onion, pressed garlic, and chopped ginger; cook until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets and cook until tender but crisp.
- Return chicken, walnuts, pineapple with syrup, soy sauce, and cornstarch to the wok.
- Cook until the mixture thickens and coats the ingredients.
- Serve hot with rice or plain.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts in the oven before adding them to the stir fry. If you don't have walnuts, try using cashews or almonds as a substitute. Fresh ginger adds a vibrant taste, but you can use ground ginger in a pinch. To enhance the dish, consider adding bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken-Pineapple-Walnut Stir Fry over steamed rice or alongside fried rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Egg Drop Soup or a refreshing cucumber salad. For a more filling dinner, consider serving it with a side of Chinese Hot Sour Soup to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or stir-fry in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. This will help maintain the dish's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Pineapple-Walnut Stir Fry contains roughly 346 calories, with 7g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1645mg per serving (72% 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 frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for convenience. Just be sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the stir fry. This will help prevent the dish from becoming too watery and allow the broccoli to cook evenly.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. For a lower sodium option, choose reduced-sodium soy sauce. You can also experiment with liquid aminos for a similar flavor profile.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Chicken-Pineapple-Walnut Stir Fry, consider adding red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce. You can also incorporate sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili oil during the cooking process for an extra kick.
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).