Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with just the right amount of stickiness, look no further than Sticky Pineapple Chicken. This recipe delivers tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious pineapple glaze—packed with fresh, zesty ginger and a gentle garlic kick. Bright pops of juicy pineapple complement the rich sauce, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving something special for a weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to brighten your table (and your mood) with its tropical vibes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe serves an important role in creating that signature balance Sticky Pineapple Chicken is known for. With just a handful of flavorful pantry staples and a few extras, you’ll discover how easy it is to make a bold, colorful dish the whole family will adore.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs bring juiciness and richness; they absorb the sauce beautifully for melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Just a little oil is all you need for browning the chicken and developing flavor in the skillet.
- Pineapple chunks: Fresh or canned pineapple adds bright, juicy sweetness and lovely color contrast in every bite.
- Pineapple juice: This is the secret to that tangy, tropical base for the sticky sauce—canned or fresh juice both work.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Essential for salty depth, umami, and rounding out the sweetness of the dish without overpowering it.
- Honey: This natural sweetener gives the sauce its rich, sticky finish and golden sheen.
- Rice vinegar: For a gentle, tangy brightness that keeps the dish from feeling heavy; it wakes up all the other flavors.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor—don’t skip it!
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger brings uplifting warmth and zing that pairs beautifully with pineapple.
- Cornstarch mixed with water: The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce and gives it that irresistible, glossy look.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the chicken for maximum flavor payoff and balance.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds: These make the perfect finishing garnishes, adding crunch and a burst of color.
How to Make Sticky Pineapple Chicken
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to your hot skillet, arranging them so they’re spread out and not crowded—this gives you that beautiful golden-brown sear. Let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and a bit crisp around the edges. Give them an occasional stir, but don’t rush the browning process; this deep flavor forms the foundation of your Sticky Pineapple Chicken.
Step 2: Bring the Aromatics to Life
Toss in your minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring everything well. You’ll only need a minute here—let the aromatics sizzle and perfume your kitchen without burning. This quick burst of sautéing adds layers of warm, inviting flavor that will come through in every forkful.
Step 3: Simmer with Sauce & Pineapple
Now, stir in the pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. You’ll instantly see the color deepen and the scent turn tropical. Increase the heat just slightly if needed to bring it all to a gentle simmer. Let this saucy mixture bubble away for about 5 minutes; the pineapple softens while the sauce starts to come together. This is the moment when your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!
Step 4: Thicken for That Signature Stickiness
Mix your cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then pour it into the skillet. Stir frequently as the sauce begins to bubble harder; in just 2 to 3 minutes, you’ll see it transform into that signature glossy, sticky coating. The chicken should be beautifully coated, and the sauce clings to every piece. Taste, then adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Take your pan off the heat and get ready for the final flourish. Sprinkle over generous amounts of sliced green onions and sesame seeds. These final touches make a feast for the eyes and provide pops of crunch and freshness to your Sticky Pineapple Chicken. Serve hot and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Sticky Pineapple Chicken
Garnishes
Don’t be shy with garnishes—leave a small mound of fresh green onions and sesame seeds on the table so everyone can add more as they like. If you want to add something extra-special, a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh cilantro or a few thin slices of red chili will bring an added burst of color and even more flavor.
Side Dishes
This saucy chicken loves to be paired with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or a tangle of noodles, both ready to soak up any extra sauce. For a lighter option, spoon it over cauliflower rice or alongside steamed broccoli, snap peas, or crisp-tender bell pepper strips. Anything with a little bite and a mild flavor is perfect alongside Sticky Pineapple Chicken’s sweet-and-salty notes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, serve Sticky Pineapple Chicken directly in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a fun, tropical presentation. For party appetizers, skewer individual pieces with a chunk of pineapple each and serve with toothpicks. Or, pile it high over crisp lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sticky Pineapple Chicken keeps beautifully! Let the leftovers cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors will deepen and get even more delicious overnight.
Freezing
This dish is surprisingly freezer-friendly. Spoon cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw in the fridge before reheating so the sauce stays nice and glossy.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Just be careful not to overcook, or the chicken may dry out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat—just be careful not to overcook so they stay juicy. Thighs tend to be more forgiving, but both deliver great results.
Is fresh pineapple better than canned?
Fresh pineapple adds unbeatable brightness and texture, but canned pineapple (drained and packed in juice, not syrup) is a perfectly tasty and convenient option. Choose whichever you have on hand!
How do I make Sticky Pineapple Chicken spicier?
If you want a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a small diced red chili when simmering the sauce. You can also stir in sriracha or your favorite hot sauce at the end for a fiery finish.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Sub in a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce, and double-check your other ingredients to ensure they’re safe. The rest of the recipe naturally fits into a gluten-free diet.
What should I do if my sauce isn’t thick enough?
If your sauce is on the thin side, let it simmer for another minute or two, stirring often—it will continue to thicken as it bubbles. If needed, you can make a little extra cornstarch slurry and stir it in, just a teaspoon at a time.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Sticky Pineapple Chicken at home, you’re in for a treat—this recipe is truly a game-changer for busy nights and special dinners alike. It’s quick, vibrant, and absolutely packed with the kind of crave-worthy, sweet-savory flavor you’ll want again and again. Give it a try, and let it bring a little tropical sunshine to your kitchen—your taste buds will thank you!
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Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sticky Pineapple Chicken recipe combines the sweet tang of pineapple with savory chicken in a glossy sauce that’s perfect served over rice or noodles. Quick and easy to make, it’s a delicious Asian-inspired dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, cook chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Add Flavor: Sauté garlic and ginger, then add pineapple, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, and vinegar.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in cornstarch slurry, cook until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- You can substitute chicken breasts or use canned pineapple in 100% juice.
- Add a dash of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
