Mediterranean Sweet & Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with Pineapple, Veggies & Rice
This sweet and spicy Mediterranean-style chicken stir-fry is a great mix of color, fresh vegetables, juicy pineapple, and tender chicken. The sauce brings together soy, honey, citrus, and chili for a balanced flavor that works beautifully with rice. It’s one of those dishes you turn to when you want something bright, quick, and comforting without much effort. Everything cooks in one pan, and the ingredients are everyday staples, which makes it perfect for weeknights.
Total Time: 35 minutes
Active Prep: 15 minutes
Cooking: 20 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
Chicken & Veggies
2 chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 carrot, chopped
1 cup broccoli florets
½ cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1½ tbsp oil for cooking
Sweet & Spicy Sauce
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sriracha or chili sauce (optional for heat)
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
For Serving
1 cup uncooked white rice (or 2 cups cooked)
Instructions
Cook the rice
Rinse the rice and cook it according to package directions. Fluff and set aside.
Prepare the sauce
Mix soy sauce, honey, vinegar or lemon juice, and sriracha. Set it aside. Keep the cornstarch slurry ready.
Cook the chicken
Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high. Add the chicken chunks and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the aromatics
In the same pan, add the garlic and onion. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly softened.
Add the vegetables
Add the bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until they’re tender but still a bit crisp.
Add pineapple and chili flakes
Stir in the pineapple and chili flakes. Cook for another minute.
Combine chicken and sauce
Return the chicken to the pan. Pour the sauce over everything and stir.
Thicken the stir-fry
Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
Finish with herbs
Add parsley or cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve
Spoon the stir-fry over warm rice.
Tips
Cut the chicken pieces evenly so they cook at the same speed.
If using canned pineapple, drain it well so the sauce doesn’t turn watery.
Don’t overcook the broccoli. A little bite keeps the dish fresh.
Add the garlic after the oil is warm to avoid burning it.
If the pan gets too dry while cooking veggies, splash in a bit of water.
Cook the chicken in batches if your pan is small so it browns instead of steaming.
Taste the sauce before adding it; adjust honey or chili depending on how sweet or spicy you like it.
The cornstarch slurry should go in at the end for the smoothest texture.
Use a nonstick or stainless-steel pan that heats evenly.
Add herbs at the end so they don’t turn bitter.
Variations
Swap chicken for shrimp and cook until pink.
Use turkey or beef strips instead of chicken.
Add zucchini or snap peas for more crunch.
Replace rice with quinoa or couscous.
Add toasted cashews or almonds for texture.
Mix in a tablespoon of tomato paste for deeper flavor.
Use smoked paprika to give it a warm Mediterranean touch.
Add olives for a salty contrast.
Stir in a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist.
Make it vegetarian by using tofu or chickpeas.
Q&A
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but thaw them first so the stir-fry doesn’t get watery.
Can I skip the pineapple?
You can, but it adds a good balance of sweetness.
Can I make it less spicy?
Use less chili flakes or skip the sriracha.
Can I make it spicier?
Add fresh chili or extra sriracha.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container for up to two days.
Can I freeze it?
The veggies may soften, but the dish freezes well overall.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
Flour works, but the texture won’t be as smooth.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, it works great.
Can I add soy sauce at the end?
You can, but add a little at a time.
Can I cook the rice in broth?
Yes, it adds extra flavor.
Nutrition
(Approx. per serving)
Calories: ~520
Protein: ~34g
Carbs: ~62g
Fat: ~15g
Fiber: ~4g
(Values vary by ingredient brands and rice type.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean-inspired sweet and spicy chicken stir-fry is a colorful, bright meal that delivers great flavor without taking much time. The mix of chicken, vegetables, and pineapple creates a balance of sweet heat and savory notes, and the rice brings everything together. It’s versatile, quick, and easy to adjust to your taste, which makes it a practical dish for busy days.