Pineapple Chicken Sweet Chili (Print Version)
A vibrant blend of chicken, pineapple, and crisp veggies enhanced with sweet chili and sesame seeds.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Marinade/Sauce
02 - 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
03 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
04 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
05 - 1 tbsp honey
06 - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
→ Vegetables & Fruit
07 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
08 - 1 green bell pepper, sliced
09 - 1 small red onion, sliced
10 - 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
→ Others
13 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
14 - 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
15 - 2 spring onions, sliced (for garnish)
16 - Cooked jasmine rice, for serving (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil in a bowl until well combined. Set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and stir fry for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
03 - Add the remaining oil to the wok. Add garlic, ginger, red onion, and bell peppers. Stir fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
04 - Return the chicken to the wok. Add pineapple chunks and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir fry everything together for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken slightly.
05 - Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced spring onions. Serve hot over cooked jasmine rice if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sweet and savory sauce comes together in seconds but tastes like you simmered it all day
- Pineapple keeps the chicken incredibly tender while adding natural sweetness
- Everything cooks in one pan so cleanup is practically nonexistent
02 -
- Crowding the wok makes chicken steam instead of sear so cook in batches if your pan is small
- Pineapple releases liquid as it cooks which can thin your sauce so keep the heat high to encourage evaporation
- Sesame oil loses its aromatic magic if overheated so always add it at the very end
03 -
- Heat your wok for 2 full minutes before adding any oil to prevent sticking
- Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels for the best golden sear