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
Scale
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.
