Dinner

Easy Weeknight Kung Pao Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan July 16, 2026July 16, 2026

Introduction

This Easy Weeknight Kung Pao Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry is a delicious and vibrant dish that combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables and sweet pineapple. The flavorful Kung Pao and teriyaki sauces bring a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory notes, making it an ideal quick meal for busy evenings.

The image shows a dark cast iron skillet filled with a colorful stir-fry dish that has three main layers: at the base, there are chunky pieces of browned chicken; mixed throughout are bright red and yellow bell pepper chunks along with sliced green zucchini rounds, giving a mix of warm and fresh colors; sprinkled on top are small pieces of chopped green onions and some light-colored peanuts adding texture and contrast. To the left of the skillet is a white bowl with plain white rice and a wooden spoon with a striped handle rests beside it on a white marbled surface. On the right, a green-capped bottle of gluten-free Kung Pao sauce is visible, along with a small clear bowl containing peanuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ginger, minced

1 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons

1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped into chunks
¼ cup Kikkoman® Gluten-Free Kung Pao Sauce
2 tablespoons Kikkoman® Teriyaki Baste & Glaze with Honey & Pineapple

2 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped
Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until they are evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Add the minced ginger to the pan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the chopped red bell pepper, sliced zucchini, and pineapple chunks. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender.
Step 5: Pour in the Kung Pao sauce and teriyaki glaze. Stir to coat the ingredients and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until the sauce is bubbling and slightly thickened.
Step 6: Remove from heat, then sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped roasted peanuts.

Step 7: Serve hot over cooked rice for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, or chicken breast for a leaner option.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chili for extra heat.

Swap pineapple with mango or mandarin oranges for a different fruity twist.
For a gluten-free meal, ensure both sauces used are certified gluten-free.
To add more crunch, toss in some sliced water chestnuts or snap peas along with the vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender and the vegetables crisp.

How to Serve

The image shows a dark cast iron pan filled with a colorful stir-fry dish. The dish has several layers: large pieces of light brown cooked chicken, bright red bell peppers cut into chunks, yellow pineapple pieces, and green zucchini slices. The chicken and vegetables look juicy with a shiny sauce coating them. On top, small rings of green onion and chopped nuts are scattered. The pan sits on a white marbled surface next to a wooden spoon on the left and a bottle of gluten-free Kung Pao sauce with a white cap and green label on the right. In the top left corner, there is a white bowl with white rice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen pineapple works well in this recipe. Thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding it to avoid watering down the sauce.

Is this dish spicy?

The Kung Pao sauce adds a mild to moderate spiciness, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more chili or using a milder sauce depending on your preference.