Name: Orange Pineapple Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon canola oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 can pineapple chunks, with 1/4 cup juice reserved; 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup sugar snap peas, halved; 1/2 cup sweet and sour stir fry sauce; 1/4 cup pineapple juice; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup fresh orange juice; Zest of one orange; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; 2 bags boil-in-bag brown rice; Green onions for garnish, if desired

Why You’ll Love Orange Pineapple Chicken Recipe

This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings.

The sweet pineapple and fresh orange create a delicious tropical flavor.

It is packed with colorful vegetables and lean protein for a balanced meal.

The homemade sauce tastes fresh, light, and better than takeout.

You can easily customize the vegetables and spice level to fit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the stir fry:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 can pineapple chunks, with 1/4 cup juice reserved
1 cup red bell pepper
1 cup sugar snap peas

For the sauce:

1/2 cup sweet and sour stir fry sauce
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
Zest of one orange
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water

For serving:

2 bags boil-in-bag brown rice
Green onions for garnish, if desired

Directions

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Slice the bell pepper into strips, cut the sugar snap peas in half, zest and juice the orange, and drain the pineapple while reserving some juice.

Cook the rice according to the package directions and set aside.

Place the chicken in a medium bowl and toss with the cornstarch until evenly coated.

Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, until lightly browned.

Add the pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and sugar snap peas to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Stir in the sweet and sour sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, orange juice, orange zest, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Serve the orange pineapple chicken over rice and garnish with green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for extra juiciness.

Swap sugar snap peas with snow peas, broccoli, or carrots.

Serve over noodles or cauliflower rice instead of brown rice.

Add extra crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier version.

Use canned mandarin oranges for additional citrus flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

Store the rice separately if possible to keep the texture fresh.

Freezing is possible, but the vegetables may soften slightly after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work very well and add extra flavor and tenderness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time for easier cooking later.

What type of pineapple works best?

Canned pineapple chunks work best because you can also use the juice in the sauce.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, simply increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a little sriracha.

What vegetables can I add?

Broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, onions, and snow peas all work well.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Yes, but fresh orange juice gives the best flavor.

How do I thicken the sauce?

The cornstarch slurry helps create a glossy and thick sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

What should I serve with orange pineapple chicken?

It pairs well with brown rice, white rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Orange Pineapple Chicken is a delicious homemade dinner packed with vibrant flavors, tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and crisp vegetables. With its quick cooking time and sweet citrus sauce, this recipe is an easy and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.