Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 4)

Protein & veggies:

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed (you love high-protein!)
1 bell pepper (any color), cut into 1” pieces
1 small onion, cut into wedges
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (in juice, not syrup—you love clean labels!)
1 tbsp avocado oil

Sugar-free sweet and sour sauce:

½ cup unsweetened crushed pineapple (from can in 100% juice)
3 tbsp coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce (you love low-sodium!)
2 tbsp sugar-free honey or monk fruit syrup (you love blood sugar friendly!)
2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp fresh lime juice (you love citrus brightness!)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional—you love spicy!)
1 tsp xanthan gum or 1 tbsp arrowroot + 1 tbsp water (to thicken—you love clean labels!)

For serving:

Cauliflower rice or jasmine rice (you love low-carb swaps!)
Sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro or green onions
Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Sear chicken:

Heat oil in large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 5–6 minutes until golden. Remove; set aside.

2. Sauté veggies:

In same skillet, add bell pepper and onion; cook 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Stir in pineapple chunks; cook 1 minute more.

3. Make sauce:

In a bowl, whisk crushed pineapple, coconut aminos, sugar-free honey, vinegar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Pour into skillet; bring to gentle simmer.

4. Thicken & combine:

Sprinkle xanthan gum over sauce while whisking (or stir in arrowroot slurry). Simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy and thickened.
Return chicken to skillet; toss to coat. Cook 1–2 minutes until heated through.

5. Serve:

Spoon over cauliflower rice or jasmine rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, cilantro, and lime wedges.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Use fresh pineapple—adds natural sweetness and enzymes that tenderize chicken.
✅ Don’t overcook veggies—keep them crisp for texture contrast.
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Coconut aminos = 65% less sodium than soy sauce
→ Boost umami with extra garlic, ginger, and lime zest
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Sugar-free honey + no-syrup pineapple = zero glycemic impact
→ Net carbs: 12g/serving (with cauliflower rice)
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Already compliant with cauliflower rice!
→ Reduce pineapple to ½ cup; double bell pepper
→ Net carbs drop to 7g/serving
✅ Make ahead:
→ Sauce base keeps 5 days refrigerated
→ Cooked chicken keeps 3 days refrigerated
→ Assemble fresh for best texture

Variations

→ Sweet and Sour Pork: Swap chicken for pork tenderloin cubes
→ Vegetarian: Use extra-firm tofu or tempeh (press well before cooking)
→ Extra tangy: Add 1 tsp lime zest to sauce
→ Extra spicy: Add sliced jalapeño with veggies

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Fridge life: 3 days (store rice separately)
→ Serving ideas:
→ As a balanced weeknight dinner
→ With extra chili oil for heat lovers
→ For meal prep—portion into grab-and-go containers

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, with cauliflower rice):