Easy Weeknight Kung Pao Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Looking for a dish that hits all the right notes—savory, sweet, and just the right amount of heat? The Easy Weeknight Kung Pao Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry is the answer to your midweek dinner prayers. It’s packed with juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, roasted peanuts, and bursts of caramelized pineapple all tossed in a tangy, bold sauce. Ready in a flash and absolutely bursting with color and flavor, this stir fry keeps dinner exciting without turning your kitchen into a mess. Trust me, this might become your new family favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this stir fry is in its simple ingredients, each carefully selected to create a perfect balance of texture, color, and taste. Make sure to use the freshest produce and high-quality sauces to let every component shine.

• Chicken breast or thighs: Go for what you love; thighs bring extra juiciness, while breast stays lean and tender when cooked correctly.
• Cornstarch: Lightly coats the chicken, giving it a velvety texture once stir-fried.
• Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that won’t compete with the bold flavors of your sauces.
• Ginger: Just a teaspoon adds layers of warmth and zing—don’t skip it!
• Red bell pepper: Adds bold color and crunch for that classic stir fry appeal.
• Zucchini: Its mild, tender bite balances the punchy flavors and keeps things fresh.
• Fresh pineapple: Provides irresistible sweetness and pairs beautifully with both the sauces and chicken.
• Kikkoman® Gluten-Free Kung Pao Sauce: The star of the dish, packing bold, zesty, and aromatic heat.
• Kikkoman® Teriyaki Baste & Glaze with Honey & Pineapple: Adds a sticky sweet layer that takes things up a notch.
• Green onions: For freshness and color—slice them thin for the prettiest finish.
• Roasted peanuts: Adds crunchy texture and a nutty finish; chop for even distribution.
• Cooked rice (for serving): Fluffy white rice soaks up all that saucy goodness perfectly.

How to Make Easy Weeknight Kung Pao Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces—smaller cubes cook up quickly and get maximum flavor. Toss them in a generous layer of cornstarch. This not only helps the pieces crisp up as they cook but keeps the chicken extra tender and gives the finished stir fry its signature glossy finish.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in your biggest skillet or wok over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the coated chicken and let it sizzle. Give it a good 5–6 minutes, stirring just enough to brown all sides but letting those edges get golden. That bit of caramelization adds real depth!

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Veggies

Once your chicken is just cooked, add the minced ginger right into the pan. Stir for about a minute, letting it become super fragrant. Next, in go the bell pepper, zucchini, and those juicy pineapple chunks. Stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes, just until the veggies soften but still have a bit of crunch, and the pineapple starts to caramelize.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

Now, pour in your gluten-free kung pao sauce and the teriyaki baste. Toss everything together so the chicken, veggies, and pineapple get fully coated in that glossy, sticky sauce. Let it bubble away for 2–3 more minutes—the sauce will thicken up and turn irresistibly shiny.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat, then sprinkle on the sliced green onions and the chopped roasted peanuts. They add crunch, freshness, and a pop of color. All that’s left to do is spoon the Easy Weeknight Kung Pao Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry over fluffy steamed rice and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Easy Weeknight Kung Pao Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry

Garnishes

Elevate every serving by topping your stir fry with an extra sprinkle of green onions and chopped roasted peanuts. If you love heat, a few slices of red chili or a pinch of chili flakes on top will really make it sparkle.

Side Dishes

White rice is a classic, soaking up all that gorgeous sauce, but jasmine or brown rice make great alternatives. You can also pair it with steamed broccoli, a quick cucumber salad, or a simple miso soup for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Easy Weeknight Kung Pao Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry in hollowed-out pineapple halves for extra pizzazz at the dinner table. Individual bowls with sticky rice on the bottom and extra sauce drizzled over top make for a restaurant-style presentation at home!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stir fry in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as they mingle—just be sure to keep the peanuts separate so they stay crunchy!

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken stir fry without the peanuts and green onions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to help maintain the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat your Easy Weeknight Kung Pao Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just sprinkle a bit of water over before covering loosely and heating through, stirring halfway.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen pineapple works well in this recipe; just thaw and drain any excess liquid first so the stir fry doesn’t turn watery.

Is this stir fry very spicy?

The heat level is mild to medium thanks to the kung pao sauce, but you can always dial it up by adding extra sliced chilies or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.

Can I substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp?

You sure can! Firm tofu or peeled shrimp are fantastic alternatives—just adjust the cooking time accordingly, since shrimp cooks in minutes and tofu benefits from pressing before stir-frying.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to toss in snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn for extra color and crunch. The Easy Weeknight Kung Pao Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry is super versatile!

Can I make this dish completely gluten-free?

Yes! Just double-check that your sauces are certified gluten-free, as the recipe already calls for gluten-free kung pao sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to brighten up your dinner table with a meal that’s bursting with flavor and easy enough for any night, this Easy Weeknight Kung Pao Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry deserves a spot on your menu. Give it a try and watch everyone fall in love with your colorful, zesty creation!

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