Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with bold, sunny flavors, Sticky Pineapple Chicken is about to change your weeknight dinner game forever. Imagine tender chicken tossed with caramelized pineapple, bell peppers, and onions, all cloaked in a tangy-sweet sticky sauce that glazes every bite to golden perfection. This recipe pulls off that magical balance of sweet, savory, and zesty in under 30 minutes, making it a joyful favorite you’ll want to revisit again and again. Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or just want to treat yourself to something crave-worthy, Sticky Pineapple Chicken always steals the show with minimum fuss and maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sticky Pineapple Chicken lies in its straightforward, supermarket-friendly ingredient list. Each element is handpicked to deliver big impact, achieving that signature sticky, glossy finish and irresistible taste. Here’s what brings this vibrant dish to life:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts absorb flavors and stay tender after a quick stir-fry.
• Cornflour (Cornstarch): Coating the chicken with cornflour ensures a light crust that helps the sticky sauce cling beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple, but essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly right from the start.
• Vegetable or Neutral-Flavored Oil: This keeps everything from sticking and gives your chicken that golden edge.
• Canned Chopped Pineapple (with Juice): Pineapple adds juicy pops of sweetness, while the reserved juice forms the base of your tangy sauce.
• Soft Brown Sugar: Adds molasses depth and helps caramelize the sauce for ultra-sticky results.
• Dark Soy Sauce: For rich, savory notes and gorgeous color in the final dish.
• Tomato Purée (Tomato Paste): Brings a balancing tang and gives the sauce its lush consistency.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and crunch to the stir-fry.
• Red Bell Pepper: For juicy color and slight sweetness that pairs beautifully with pineapple.
• Garlic: Just two cloves are enough to bring a big flavor punch.
• Fresh Ginger: A little ginger brightens up the sauce and helps round out the sweetness.
• Cooked Rice: The perfect blank canvas to soak up every drop of the sticky sauce.
• Fresh Coriander (Cilantro): Chopped for a fresh, herby finish right before serving.
• Sriracha (Optional): Drizzle over for just a touch of gentle heat, totally up to your taste.

How to Make Sticky Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by combining your chicken chunks in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle over the cornflour with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Gently toss everything together with your hands or a spoon, ensuring each piece of chicken gets an even, thorough coating. This quick trick gives the chicken a light crust—absolutely key for getting that sticky sauce to cling to every morsel later on.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat your oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Sauté them for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden-brown on all sides and nearly cooked through. Don’t crowd the pan—if needed, do this step in batches for the perfect sear.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While your chicken cooks, grab a small bowl and mix the pineapple juice you reserved from the can with the brown sugar, dark soy sauce, and tomato purée. Whisk until the brown sugar dissolves completely and set the bowl aside. This mixture will transform into your glossy, flavor-packed sticky sauce.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Once the chicken is golden, add the onion wedges and chopped red bell pepper right into the pan. Stir-fry for 2 minutes—just enough to soften them and bring out their sweetness, but you want them to stay slightly crisp for texture.

Step 5: Add the Pineapple

Stir in the chopped pineapple pieces from the can. Toss everything around and let it cook for another 2 minutes. You’ll notice the pineapple starting to caramelize slightly, which adds a wonderful depth to the dish.

Step 6: Add Aromatics

Now is the time for your garlic and fresh ginger. Sprinkle them over the pan and stir-fry for just 1 minute. The kitchen will instantly smell amazing, and these aromatics will blend right into the sauce for that authentic sticky pineapple chicken flavor.

Step 7: Add the Sauce

Pour your prepared sauce into the pan with the chicken and veggies. Give everything a good stir to coat, then let the mixture bubble over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes. Watch as the sauce thickens and turns glossy, coating the chicken in a beautifully sticky, caramelized glaze.

Step 8: Serve

Take the pan off the heat and get ready to eat! Spoon your sticky pineapple chicken over a bed of hot, fluffy rice. Finish with a handful of fresh chopped coriander and a drizzle of sriracha if you like it spicy. Dinner is served!

How to Serve Sticky Pineapple Chicken

Garnishes

A handful of fresh coriander (cilantro) brings a pop of color and a burst of herby freshness. If you’re a fan of a little heat, a dash of sriracha over the top cuts through the sweetness and balances out the flavors beautifully. For added crunch, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions is always welcome.

Side Dishes

Sticky Pineapple Chicken is made for pairing with fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up all that glorious sauce. Want something lighter? Try jasmine or brown rice, or even serve it with noodle stir-fry for a fun twist. Steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side add a fresh, nutritious touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your sticky pineapple chicken in a hollowed-out pineapple half for a tropical feast that looks as good as it tastes. Or pile it into lettuce cups for an appetizer-style version that’s great for parties. Mini rice bowls topped with pineapple chicken make for a fun, customizable dinner spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra Sticky Pineapple Chicken cool completely before storing. Pack it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days—just be sure to keep the rice and chicken separate for best results. The flavors meld and intensify over time, making delicious leftovers for lunch or dinner.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Spoon the cooled chicken and sauce into zip-top freezer bags or a freezer-safe container. Lay it flat for easier thawing and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

For quick reheating, place Sticky Pineapple Chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra pineapple juice, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered container, just stir halfway through to ensure even heating. The sauce may thicken more after refrigeration, so feel free to loosen it up with a little extra water if desired.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works wonderfully in this dish—just be sure to use about 1 1/2 cups of chopped pineapple and substitute with bottled pineapple juice or orange juice for the sauce. The flavor gets even more vibrant and tangy.

Is there a way to make Sticky Pineapple Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the dark soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check that your tomato paste and cornflour are gluten-free too, and you’re all set for a delicious gluten-free dinner.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Of course! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great choice for sticky pineapple chicken and tend to stay even more juicy and tender. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and cook as directed in the recipe.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love a little heat, add chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies along with the garlic and ginger, or increase the amount of sriracha you drizzle on top before serving. The sweet and spicy contrast is irresistibly good.

Is it possible to prep the dish ahead for a busy night?

Definitely! You can chop all your veggies and chicken, mix the sauce, and even coat the chicken with cornflour earlier in the day. When it’s time to cook, everything comes together in just about 20 minutes, making weeknight prep a breeze.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that’s both effortlessly easy and totally restaurant-worthy, Sticky Pineapple Chicken is that dish you’ll be dreaming about long after the plates are clean. It’s vibrant, hearty, and just plain fun to make. Give it a try and let it brighten up your next meal—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

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