20-Minute Pineapple Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry

This quick stir fry has the sweetness of pineapple plus it’s loaded with chicken, peppers, and green beans. Enjoy as is or serve over rice!

As the world’s biggest fan of fast dinners (a title I have made up just as I’m typing this) I am always playing with fun food combos. I’ve made several dishes that combine pineapple and chicken but this 20-Minute Pineapple Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry is special because it’s a one pot meal. Everything cooks together to keep dinnertime as simple as possible.

This colorful entree gives you chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, green beans, and a sauce that is both sweet and savory. All in just 20 minutes!

I recommend using an 11″ or 12″ skillet for this recipe and all my stir fries. You’ll be able to accommodate more food in the pan which ensures quick and even cooking. Using a skillet that’s too small increases your cooking time. It also makes it more difficult to achieve the browning we want.

Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry

• Olive oil or avocado oil: We’re sautéing green beans and peppers in a little oil to get them perfectly tender.
• Green beans: Fresh green beans are the vegetable of choice in this quick stir fry recipe.
• Chicken breasts: We’re using boneless skinless chicken breasts in this entree but chicken thighs (also boneless and skinless) would work well too. We’ll dice them into small pieces so they cook fast and are mixed in with the other ingredients.
• Red bell pepper: Bell peppers come in several colors and you can use whichever you prefer. I recommend a red bell pepper for this easy recipe because it has a hint of sweetness and the color is beautiful with the other veggies.
• Pineapple: Chunks of fresh pineapple make this stir fry extra special. You can use canned pineapple but I recommend using fresh because it will hold up better as it cooks.
• Soy sauce or coconut aminos: I love low sodium soy sauce in this stir fry. Coconut aminos is a great soy sauce substitute. It’s slightly sweet and contains less sodium.
• Rice vinegar: Rice vinegar is made from fermented rice. It’s popular in marinades and stir fries because it has that classic tanginess you expect from vinegar but it’s a bit sweeter. You can use apple cider vinegar if you need a quick substitute. They’re not exactly the same but in small amounts it will work.
• Garlic: Minced garlic is delightful and pungent. You can mince your own fresh garlic or use a jarred variety.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch thickens the homemade sauce so that it beautifully coats the chicken and veggies.
• Honey: A little honey adds to the sweetness of our sauce and balances the savory flavor of the soy sauce and rice vinegar.
• Green onion: Sliced green onion before serving is optional but a nice touch. I love the little crunch in each bite!
• Seasonings: Ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper are the only seasonings you need to flavor this simple stir fry.

How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry

Heat oil on medium high heat in large skillet. When hot add green beans. Sauté just a few minutes to get them blistered with some charred spots. Should still be bright green. Season with salt. Set aside.

Cube your chicken and season with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.

Add chicken and peppers to skillet with remaining oil. You can use an additional tablespoon if needed (I don’t).

Make the stir fry sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together stir fry sauce ingredients.

When the chicken is close to done with some browning, add the pineapple to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to bring out some of the pineapple juice.

Pour in the stir fry sauce and green beans. Stir and simmer on medium to medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until sauce thickens. Taste and add more salt and pepper if desired. Serve over rice and top with green onions.

Is This Stir Fry Good for Meal Prep?

This recipe is delicious for meal prep because both the chicken and green beans hold up well after reheating. You can refrigerate in airtight containers in your refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Is This Stir Fry Freezer Friendly?

Yes! You can freeze in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy just thaw and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How to Serve This Stir Fry

The best part of veggie-loaded stir fries like this one is that they are designed to be a complete meal so you can easily enjoy as is. I personally enjoy serving with rice (white, brown, or cauliflower) to make it heartier. 

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