Tangy Pineapple Popcorn Chicken Stir-Fry
This Tangy Pineapple Popcorn Chicken Stir-Fry is a delightful twist on the classic sweet and sour dish, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The combination of crunchy vegetables, tender popcorn chicken, and a luscious tangy sauce made from fresh pineapple chunks creates a vibrant medley of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Simply stir-fry the vegetables, mix the sauce in a measuring cup, and toss everything together for a quick and delicious meal that pairs beautifully with steamed rice. Enjoy this effortless recipe that brings the taste of takeout home, without the hassle!
4
Servings
600
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
green pepper
1 (chopped)
onion
1 (sliced)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for stir-frying)
unsweetened pineapple chunks
1 (20 ounce) can (drained, juice reserved)
white vinegar
3 tablespoons (for sauce)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons (for sauce)
ketchup
2 tablespoons (for sauce)
brown sugar
1/3 cup (packed, preferably dark brown)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons (for thickening)
frozen popcorn chicken
1 (12 ounce) package (any variety, cooked according to package directions)
Instructions
1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2
Add the chopped green pepper and sliced onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
3
Meanwhile, drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice. Transfer the juice to a 2-cup measuring cup. Set the pineapple aside.
4
Add enough water to the reserved pineapple juice to make a total of 1-1/3 cups of liquid. Stir in the white vinegar, soy sauce, and ketchup until well combined.
5
In a separate bowl, combine the packed brown sugar and cornstarch. Gradually stir in the pineapple juice mixture until smooth.
6
Pour the juice mixture into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Bring to a boil and cook while stirring for about 2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
7
Add the reserved pineapple chunks to the skillet and reduce the heat. Simmer uncovered for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through.
8
While the sauce simmers, microwave the popcorn chicken according to package directions until thoroughly heated.
9
Once the sauce is ready, stir in the popcorn chicken until well coated. Serve immediately over rice.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
75g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Pineapple Popcorn Chicken Stir-Fry?
It is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring crispy popcorn chicken, fresh vegetables, and a sweet and tangy pineapple-based sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe serves 4 people.
What are the main ingredients in this dish?
The main ingredients include frozen popcorn chicken, canned pineapple chunks, green pepper, onion, and a sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and ketchup.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but you will need to purchase pineapple juice separately to reach the required 1-1/3 cups of liquid for the sauce.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of white vinegar to provide the signature tang.
How do I thicken the stir-fry sauce?
The sauce is thickened using 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with the liquid and brought to a boil.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this is a sweet and tangy dish. To make it spicy, you could add red pepper flakes or sriracha.
How long does it take to cook the vegetables?
The green pepper and onion should be stir-fried for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
What should I serve with this stir-fry?
It is best served immediately over steamed white or brown rice.
Can I use chicken breast instead of popcorn chicken?
Yes, you can substitute with cooked chicken breast chunks, though the texture will be less crunchy than popcorn chicken.
What kind of oil is recommended for stir-frying?
The recipe suggests using vegetable oil, but any high-smoke-point oil like canola or peanut oil will work.
How do I prepare the pineapple juice for the sauce?
Drain the juice from the 20-ounce can into a measuring cup and add enough water to total 1-1/3 cups.
Can I use light brown sugar?
Yes, although dark brown sugar is preferred for its deeper molasses flavor, light brown sugar is a perfectly fine substitute.
How do I heat the popcorn chicken?
The chicken should be microwaved or baked according to the package directions before being tossed into the sauce.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
How much protein is in this meal?
One serving provides 30 grams of protein.
Is this stir-fry gluten-free?
It depends on your popcorn chicken and soy sauce. To make it gluten-free, use GF popcorn chicken and tamari or GF soy sauce.
How many grams of fat are in one serving?
There are 17.5 grams of fat per serving.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Broccoli, carrots, or snap peas would be excellent additions to this stir-fry.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Simmer the sauce uncovered for about 4 to 5 minutes after adding the pineapple chunks.
Is this dish considered kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet sauce and familiar popcorn chicken make it a very popular choice for children.
What if I don't have soy sauce?
You can use tamari, liquid aminos, or coconut aminos as a substitute.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, though the chicken may lose its crispness.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Do I need a wok for this recipe?
While a wok is great, a large skillet works perfectly well for this recipe.
What size can of pineapple is needed?
A standard 20-ounce can of unsweetened pineapple chunks is required.
Is ketchup necessary for the sauce?
Yes, the ketchup contributes to the color and the specific sweet-tangy flavor profile of the sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the popcorn chicken with plant-based 'chicken' nuggets or crispy tofu.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long does the entire process take?
This is a quick meal that can typically be prepared and cooked in under 20-25 minutes.