Pineapple Chicken Lo Mein
A vibrant and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken, sweet pineapple chunks, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple, reserving 1/3 cup of juice, and set pineapple aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken and ginger in 2 tablespoons of oil for 6 minutes.
- Add the pineapple and stir-fry vegetables to the skillet.
- Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender and chicken juices run clear.
- Stir in cooked spaghetti.
- In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, soy sauce, pineapple juice, remaining oil, and corn syrup until smooth.
- Stir the sauce into the chicken mixture.
- Bring to a boil and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. If you don’t have stir fry vegetables, feel free to substitute with any fresh or frozen vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. For a gluten-free option, use rice noodles instead of spaghetti, and check labels on sauces for gluten-free certification.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pineapple Chicken Lo Mein with a side of Eggdrop Soup for a complete meal. It also pairs well with steamed dumplings or a fresh Asian salad. For an extra crunch, top with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness, and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Chicken Lo Mein contains roughly 873 calories, with 13g protein, 175g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (126% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and potassium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2269mg per serving (99% 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 canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple chunks in juice or light syrup. Just be sure to drain them well and reserve some juice for the sauce. The sweetness will be similar, but fresh pineapple will provide a more vibrant flavor.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. Just mix it with a little cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce to prevent clumping.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead. Chop the chicken and vegetables and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine and cook them on the day you plan to serve for optimal texture and flavor.
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).