- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Cost per Serving: Around $2.75
- Calories per Serving: ~280 kcal
- Servings: 4
Chicken broccoli and pineapple stir fry is one of those dishes that instantly brings comfort and warmth to the table — sweet, savory, and packed with color and flavor. Growing up, stir fries like this were a regular in our weeknight dinner rotation. My mom always had a knack for tossing together whatever was in the fridge, and somehow it always came out delicious.
We often had broccoli fresh from our garden, and she’d toss in juicy pineapple from the pantry to make it more kid-friendly (a smart trick when we weren’t so keen on veggies . That perfect mix of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and sweet pineapple stuck with me — and now it’s a go-to in my own kitchen.
This chicken broccoli and pineapple stir fry is ready in just 20 minutes and made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just craving something quick and tasty, it’s a weeknight win you’ll come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Broccoli and Pineapple Stir Fry
Let me tell you — this chicken broccoli and pineapple stir fry is a true gem in the weeknight dinner world. Here’s why it works so well for busy families (and tired moms:
- Dinner in 20 minutes — No long prep, no crazy steps. Just chop, stir-fry, and serve.
- One pan = easy clean-up — Fewer dishes means more time to relax after dinner.
- Sweet + savory = kid magic — The pineapple gives it that little something extra kids actually enjoy.
- Packed with veggies — Broccoli, bell pepper, and green onion for a colorful, nutritious meal.
- Flexible and forgiving — Swap in whatever veggies you’ve got. Add spice or keep it mild. It’s your stir fry, your way.
- Meal prep friendly — Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch or another quick dinner.
This is one of those recipes that feels fancy, tastes amazing, and yet is so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
How to make Chicken Broccoli and Pineapple Stir Fry
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need — nothing fancy, just real ingredients you probably already have!
- 1 tsp olive oil (5 g): For sautéing the chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast (16 oz), diced: Boneless and skinless — cooks fast!
- Salt & pepper to taste: Start small, adjust as you go
- 2 tsp ginger (4 g), grated: Adds warmth and zing
- 1 tbsp garlic (15 g), minced: Always say yes to garlic
- ½ cup green onion whites (50 g): Save the green tops for garnish
- 2 cups broccoli (176 g), chopped: Fresh or frozen both work
- 1 red bell pepper (170 g), chopped: For color and crunch
- ½ cup pineapple chunks (122 g): Use canned in juice, not syrup
- ½ cup pineapple juice (125 g): From the same can as the chunks
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (45 g): Low-sodium if possible
- 1 tbsp honey (21 g): Just enough sweetness
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat
- 1 tbsp corn starch (8 g): To thicken the sauce
- Sesame seeds + green onion tops: Totally optional but pretty!
- Steamed white rice (optional): For serving, or try cauliflower rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through — about 5–6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pan, add a splash more oil if needed. Sauté the whites of the green onion, half the garlic, and half the ginger until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3: Add the Veggies
Toss in broccoli and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
4: Make It Pineapple-Perfect
Add in pineapple chunks and cooked chicken. Stir everything together.
In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, remaining garlic and ginger, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this sauce into the pan.
5: Simmer + Serve
Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully.
Serve hot over rice, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onion tops if you’re feeling fancy.
Perfect Pairings
This chicken broccoli and pineapple stir fry is pretty much a full meal on its own, but if you want to round it out (or stretch it for leftovers), here are a few easy, family-friendly sides that go perfectly:
- Steamed jasmine or white rice – Classic and comforting. You can even use microwaveable rice packets on super busy nights.
- Air fryer veggies or protein sides – Try our Air Fryer Chicken Sausage with Peppers and Onions — it’s super easy, packed with flavor, and reheats like a dream for lunchboxes or leftovers.
- Simple cucumber salad – Fresh and cooling with a light sesame dressing. Great contrast to the warm stir fry.
- Egg rolls or spring rolls – Store-bought or homemade, they make dinner feel a little more special without extra effort.
- Pineapple smoothies for the kids – A fun, tropical drink that doubles as dessert. Just blend pineapple, banana, and a splash of milk or juice!
When to Serve This Dish
This 20 minute ginger pineapple chicken stir fry is perfect for…
- Busy weeknights – When you need dinner fast but don’t want to compromise on flavor.
- Sunday meal prep – It stores and reheats well for quick lunches during the week.
- Family potlucks or casual gatherings – It’s a total crowd-pleaser, and it pairs well with simple sides or appetizers.
If you’re serving this at a party or get-together, try setting out a few finger foods to go with it — like these Caprese Skewers with Salami. They’re colorful, fresh, and super easy to prep ahead!
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are just as tasty (maybe even juicier). Just trim the excess fat and adjust the cook time slightly — they’ll need an extra minute or two.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, yes, yes. Frozen broccoli and bell peppers are great time-savers. No need to thaw — just toss them right into the pan and stir-fry a little longer.
Is this dish spicy?
Not unless you want it to be. The red pepper flakes are totally optional — I usually leave them out when I’m cooking for the kids and add a pinch to my own plate.
What can I use instead of pineapple?
If you’re out of pineapple, you can try mango chunks or even mandarin oranges in a pinch. You can also skip the fruit and add a splash of orange juice to the sauce for sweetness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! This stir fry holds up well in the fridge for 2–3 days. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick or gloopy?
Make sure you whisk the cornstarch into the pineapple juice really well before adding it to the pan. And don’t overcook once the sauce thickens — it only needs a minute or two to come together.
Chicken Broccoli and Pineapple Stir Fry (20-Minute Dinner!)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This 20-minute chicken broccoli and pineapple stir fry is the perfect sweet-and-savory dinner for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, crisp veggies, juicy pineapple, and a gingery soy-based sauce, it’s family-friendly, colorful, and full of flavor — and it all comes together in just one pan!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need — nothing fancy, just real ingredients you probably already have!
1 tsp olive oil (5 g): For sautéing the chicken
1 lb chicken breast (16 oz), diced: Boneless and skinless — cooks fast!
Salt & pepper to taste: Start small, adjust as you go
2 tsp ginger (4 g), grated: Adds warmth and zing
1 tbsp garlic (15 g), minced: Always say yes to garlic
½ cup green onion whites (50 g): Save the green tops for garnish
2 cups broccoli (176 g), chopped: Fresh or frozen both work
1 red bell pepper (170 g), chopped: For color and crunch
½ cup pineapple chunks (122 g): Use canned in juice, not syrup
½ cup pineapple juice (125 g): From the same can as the chunks
3 tbsp soy sauce (45 g): Low-sodium if possible
1 tbsp honey (21 g): Just enough sweetness
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat
1 tbsp corn starch (8 g): To thicken the sauce
Sesame seeds + green onion tops: Totally optional but pretty!
Steamed white rice (optional): For serving, or try cauliflower rice
Instructions
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté the white parts of the green onion, along with half of the ginger and half of the garlic, for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the broccoli and red bell pepper, and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the pineapple chunks. In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, remaining garlic and ginger, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat all the ingredients. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and garnish with green onion tops and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over rice and enjoy!
Notes
You can easily swap the chicken breast for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier texture. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Frozen vegetables work great in this stir fry — no need to thaw, just add them straight to the skillet. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days and reheat well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 280kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken broccoli and pineapple stir fry, pineapple chicken stir fry, 20 minute ginger pineapple chicken stir fry, chicken stir fry with pineapple and broccoli, quick stir fry recipe, weeknight dinner
This chicken broccoli and pineapple stir fry truly checks all the boxes — quick, healthy, flavorful, and perfect for busy moms who need dinner on the table fast without sacrificing taste.
I still remember the first time I made a version of this dish when my oldest started preschool. I had 20 minutes before she got home, a toddler on my hip, and a fridge full of half-used veggies. I tossed everything in the pan, added some pineapple we had leftover from breakfast, and hoped for the best. To my surprise, everyone — even my pickiest eater — asked for seconds.
Since then, this stir fry has become one of those “back pocket” meals I keep coming back to. It’s comforting, colorful, and flexible enough to work with whatever you’ve got on hand.
If you try it, I’d love to see your version! Tag me on Instagram @SavorAtHome and let me know how it turned out. And don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter — I’ve got more family-friendly meals coming your way every week!
I LOVE
★★★★★