If you are craving a vibrant mix of sweet and savory flavors that dance on your taste buds, this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and a glossy, caramelized sauce, this dish transforms everyday ingredients into a mouthwatering Asian-inspired feast. Perfect for a cozy weeknight or sharing with friends, this recipe combines simplicity and flavor in a way that makes dinner feel like a special occasion every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is the first exciting step toward making this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe so delicious. Each one plays a vital role, from the salty depth of soy sauce to the bright punch of fresh pineapple, resulting in a perfectly balanced dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1½ pounds): Choose thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option, both cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Essential for a good sear and that golden crust on the chicken pieces.
- Pineapple juice (1 cup): Brings sweetness and tang that forms the base of the irresistible sticky sauce.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds deep caramel notes enhancing the sweet-savory profile.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (â…“ cup): Delivers umami richness and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Provides a subtle acidity that lifts and brightens the sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and complexity.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Offers a zingy freshness that complements the pineapple beautifully.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water): The secret to that beautiful thick and glossy sauce coating every bite.
- Pineapple chunks (1 cup, fresh or canned): Juicy bursts of tropical sweetness that make this dish sing.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Perfect for a fresh, crunchy garnish adding color and texture.
How to Make Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are beautifully browned and cooked through. This step seals in the juices of the chicken and creates a tasty base for the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Whip Up the Sauce
Using the same skillet, no need to clean it! Pour in the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Bring this delightful mix to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook gently for 4 to 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly, intensifying the taste.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Next, stir in the cornstarch slurry. This will work its magic in locking the sauce into a glossy, sticky finish. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens just right — neither too runny nor too gelatinous, but perfectly clingy for coating chicken and pineapple alike.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pineapple
Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet along with the pineapple chunks. Toss everything gently to ensure each piece is coated with that luscious sauce. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, so the flavors marry and the pineapple softens slightly without losing its delightful bite.
How to Serve Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Top off your Sticky Pineapple Chicken with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch and freshness. These simple touches add layers of flavor and a beautiful pop of color, making your dish all the more inviting at the table.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with fluffy white rice or fragrant jasmine rice, soaking up every bit of the sticky, tangy sauce. Alternatively, serve it over noodles or alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a complete, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe in individual pineapple bowls for a fun, tropical vibe. Adding a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can also elevate the citrusy freshness and make each bite more dynamic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sticky Pineapple Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken further overnight, but a quick stir during reheating brings it right back to its glossy, luscious state.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish in advance, freeze it in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor. Be mindful that pineapple’s texture may change slightly after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat your sticky chicken gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice will loosen it up perfectly, restoring that irresistible sticky coating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for the Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat, just be careful not to overcook them to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce to make this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can this dish be made with other proteins?
Definitely! Shrimp, tofu, or even pork can be delicious swaps that work beautifully with the sweet and tangy pineapple sauce.
What can I do to make the chicken more flavorful?
For an extra punch of flavor, marinate the chicken in half of the sauce mixture (without the cornstarch) for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps infuse the chicken with those delicious sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
How do I adjust the sweetness in the Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe?
If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the brown sugar slightly or add a bit more soy sauce or vinegar to balance it according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about making and sharing the Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe. With its harmonious blend of juicy chicken, pineapple, and a rich sticky sauce, it delivers a burst of flavor that feels like a celebration in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how effortlessly it becomes a beloved staple in your dinner rotation.
Print
Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Sticky Pineapple Chicken is a delightful Asian-inspired main course featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a glossy, sweet and savory pineapple-infused sauce. This quick skillet dish balances the tanginess of pineapple juice with the richness of soy sauce and a hint of ginger, making it a perfect weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- â…“ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Add-Ins and Garnish
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Using the same skillet, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring this mixture to a simmer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and give it a glossy, sticky consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Pineapple: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the pineapple chunks. Toss everything to coat the chicken evenly in the sticky sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the pineapple is warmed.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top as garnish. Serve the sticky pineapple chicken hot over steamed rice or your choice of noodles for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in half of the sauce (without the cornstarch) for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can grill the chicken instead of cooking it in the skillet and then finish it in the sticky sauce for a smoky touch.
