Pineapple Chicken Chow Mein
A vibrant, sweet and savory chicken chow mein featuring pineapple chunks, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful sauce—perfect for a quick family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1/8 cup oil ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 3 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 14 oz. can pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- 1 No. 2 can bean sprouts ⓘ
- black pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 1/4 cups cubed chicken ⓘ
- 1 can chow mein noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large saucepan.
- Add chopped onions, chopped celery, drained pineapple chunks, bean sprouts, salt, pepper, and brown sugar.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Mix cornstarch with soy sauce to create a slurry.
- Stir the vegetable mixture into the sauce.
- Add cooked, cubed chicken and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.
- Serve over cooked chow mein noodles or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding ginger and garlic to the sautéed vegetables. You can substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option, or use shrimp for a different protein. If fresh pineapple is available, using it instead of canned can enhance the dish's freshness. To thicken the sauce more, increase the cornstarch slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pineapple Chicken Chow Mein over a bed of cooked chow mein noodles or rice for a hearty meal. Pair it with a side of Pea Pods With Almonds for a crunchy contrast, or offer a light soup like Rice-Egg Drop Soup to start. This dish also complements a fresh salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through, ensuring the chicken remains tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Chicken Chow Mein contains roughly 999 calories, with 12g protein, 228g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added color and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so all vegetables are tender yet crisp.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Additionally, ensure the chow mein noodles are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the vegetable mixture. You can also serve the finished dish with sliced fresh jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for additional spice.
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).