Sticky Pineapple Chicken: A Sweet, Tangy, and Irresistible Weeknight Dinner
A kitchen filled with the aroma of caramelized pineapple and savory chicken instantly signals comfort and excitement at the dinner table. Sticky Pineapple Chicken delivers that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that makes everyone reach for seconds. Each bite brings together juicy chicken coated in a glossy pineapple sauce that clings beautifully, offering a tropical flair without requiring complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Home cooks love this dish because it feels special enough for guests yet simple enough to pull together on a busy weeknight. The blend of everyday pantry staples with bright, fresh pineapple transforms a humble chicken skillet into a vibrant meal that sparks joy with its bold flavors and shiny, sticky finish. With just a few steps, dinner becomes something memorable—warm, comforting, and just a little exotic.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a complete list of ingredients along with approximate calorie counts per serving or measurement. (Calorie values are estimates.)
| Ingredient | Amount | Estimated Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) | 1 lb | 750 kcal |
| Fresh pineapple chunks | 1 cup | 80 kcal |
| Soy sauce | 3 tbsp | 30 kcal |
| Pineapple juice | ½ cup | 65 kcal |
| Brown sugar or honey | 2 tbsp | 120 kcal |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | 15 kcal |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 tsp | 5 kcal |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tbsp | 3 kcal |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp | 30 kcal |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 120 kcal |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ tsp | 2 kcal |
| Green onions for garnish | 2 tbsp | 5 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Lightly season with salt and pepper. This helps the chicken develop a nice golden crust and allows the sauce to cling better.
2. Create the Pineapple Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and brown sugar (or honey). Stir in the cornstarch until completely dissolved. This mixture will thicken into the signature sticky glaze once heated.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning.
4. Add the Pineapple
Toss in the fresh pineapple chunks. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to caramelize along the edges.
5. Pour in the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the pineapple sauce over the chicken and pineapple. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Allow it to simmer for 5–8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in a sticky glaze.
6. Finish and Garnish
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding red pepper flakes for heat if desired. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Swap the Protein: Try shrimp, pork tenderloin, or tofu for a different but equally delicious version.
- Make it Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños, Sriracha, or extra chili flakes to intensify heat.
- Add Vegetables: Bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or carrots blend seamlessly with the sweet pineapple flavor.
- Use Canned Pineapple: If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned chunks in juice (not syrup) work perfectly.
- Make It Healthier: Reduce the sugar or use low-sodium soy sauce to create a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~330 |
| Protein | ~28 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30 g |
| Fat | ~11 g |
| Fiber | ~1 g |
| Sugar | ~20 g |
| Sodium | Moderate to high (varies based on soy sauce) |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Over Rice: Jasmine, basmati, or even coconut rice creates the perfect base to soak up the sticky sauce.
- Pair With Noodles: Toss the chicken with rice noodles for an easy bowl-style meal.
- Add a Fresh Side: A crisp cucumber salad or simple steamed vegetables balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Tropical Touch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for extra flavor and presentation.
Sticky Pineapple Chicken: A Sweet, Tangy, and Irresistible Weeknight Dinner
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes330
kcalIngredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
½ cup pineapple juice
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp sliced green onions, for garnish
Salt & pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper.
- Mix the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
- Stir in cornstarch until no lumps remain.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes).
- Add Pineapple
- Add pineapple chunks and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to caramelize.
- Add the Sauce
- Pour the sauce over the chicken. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5–8 minutes, stirring until the sauce becomes thick and sticky.
- Finish & Serve
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired and garnish with green onions.
- Serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For best flavor, lightly brown the chicken before adding the sauce—this adds depth and helps the glaze cling beautifully.
Fresh pineapple gives the dish a brighter, more natural sweetness, but canned pineapple in juice works perfectly when you’re short on time.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work well, but they tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and avoid overcooking.
2. Is canned pineapple okay to use?
Absolutely. Canned pineapple chunks packed in juice (not syrup) are a great substitute. You can even use the juice from the can for the sauce.
3. How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix an extra ½ tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir it into the sauce and simmer until thickened.
4. Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes! Sticky Pineapple Chicken reheats well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
5. What can I serve with Sticky Pineapple Chicken?
Popular sides include rice, noodles, stir-fried veggies, steamed broccoli, cucumber salad, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Conclusion
Sticky Pineapple Chicken offers a fantastic combination of taste, texture, and simplicity. Its sweet-savory glaze, juicy pineapple, and tender chicken make it a crowd-pleasing dish that works for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. With versatile customization options and minimal prep time, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Bring a little tropical joy to your dinner table and enjoy every sticky, flavorful bite.
