Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe

If you love dishes that balance sweet, tangy, and savory flavors all in one bite, then you’re going to adore this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like you’re enjoying takeout, but it’s so much better when it’s homemade – fresh, flavorful, and made with ingredients you know. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

I remember the first time I made this recipe; the combination of juicy pineapple and sticky soy glaze instantly won over everyone at the table. It works beautifully with simple steamed rice and brings such a comforting vibe to the meal. Once you try this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe, I bet it’ll become a go-to in your rotation too. Sweet, sticky, and irresistibly tasty, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy and fun to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients complement each other perfectly to create that signature sticky glaze and vibrant flavor. When you shop, go for fresh produce and check for a good quality tin of pineapple in juice; it makes a huge difference in taste!

• Chicken breasts: Chopped into bite-sized pieces to cook quickly and evenly. I always use skinless for easier handling and less fat.
• Cornflour (cornstarch): This is what gives the chicken that irresistible crispy coating once it’s cooked and coated in the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that brings out natural flavors in the chicken.
• Oil: I use vegetable or sunflower oil for a neutral taste and high smoke point for stir-frying.
• Tinned chopped pineapple in juice: The star that adds sweetness and tang. Don’t drain the juice—it’s part of the sauce!
• Soft brown sugar: Enhances the caramelized flavor of the sauce with some depth and warmth.
• Dark soy sauce: Provides saltiness and rich color to the dish.
• Tomato puree: Gives a subtle tang and thickens the sauce for that sticky finish.
• Onion: Chopped into wedges; it softens nicely in the stir-fry adding sweetness and texture.
• Red bell pepper: For color, crunch, and a mild sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced, because it’s all about that punch of flavor.
• Ginger: Minced, which gives a lovely fresh bite and warmth to balance the sweetness.

Variations

One of the best parts about the Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own kitchen classic. I often tweak it slightly based on what’s on hand or who I’m feeding.

• Spicy kick: I like to add a drizzle of sriracha or some fresh chili slices to the sauce for a little heat—it balances out the sweetness beautifully.
• Vegetarian swap: Use firm tofu instead of chicken for a delicious vegetarian version. Just coat the tofu in cornflour and adjust cooking time to avoid it breaking apart.
• Additional veggies: Sometimes I throw in snap peas or carrots for extra crunch and color.
• Healthier option: Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener option.

How to Make Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken for Perfect Crispness

Start by placing your chopped chicken breasts into a bowl. Sprinkle on the cornflour, salt, and pepper, then use your hands to mix everything so the chicken pieces are fully coated. This step is key because the cornflour helps create that crispy exterior once cooked, and it also thickens the sauce later on. Don’t skip it!

Step 2: Fry Chicken Until Golden and Delicious

Heat your oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. When it’s nice and hot (you’ll see it shimmering), add the chicken chunks. Let them sizzle away for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to get all sides golden brown. If your pan isn’t hot enough, the chicken will steam rather than crisp up, so patience here pays off!

Step 3: Whip Up the Tangy Stir-Fry Sauce

While the chicken cooks, mix together the pineapple juice from your tin of pineapple with the brown sugar, dark soy sauce, and tomato puree in a small bowl. This magical mix is what brings the sticky, tangy flavor forward. Have it ready to go for when your veggies hit the pan.

Step 4: Add Onion and Bell Pepper for Sweet Crunch

Toss the chopped onions and red bell peppers into your wok with the chicken. Stir-fry them together for about 2 minutes until they just start to soften but still hold a bit of crunch—that contrast makes every bite interesting.

Step 5: Introduce Pineapple and Aromatics

Add the pineapple chunks next and fry for another two minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring well for about a minute until their fragrance fills your kitchen. These steps layer the flavors beautifully, making the dish irresistible.

Step 6: Pour in the Sauce and Let it Bubble

Pour the sauce you mixed earlier all over the chicken and veggies. Turn the heat to medium-high and let it bubble away, stirring occasionally. It usually takes around 5-6 minutes for the sauce to thicken, darken, and cling to everything, giving that signature sticky finish. Be patient and keep an eye so it doesn’t burn!

Step 7: Serve it Up and Enjoy!

Once your sauce has reduced perfectly and the chicken is cooked through, turn off the heat. Serve the Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe straight away over a bed of fluffy boiled rice. Trust me, this is meant to be eaten fresh for the best experience.

How to Serve Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle fresh coriander (cilantro) on top for that bright herbal freshness—it really lifts the dish. If you enjoy some heat, add a drizzle of sriracha or chili flakes right before serving. The color contrast and punch of flavor make the presentation pop and elevate every bite.

Side Dishes

Boiled jasmine or basmati rice is my classic favorite side—its delicate aroma and fluffy texture soak up all the sticky sauce perfectly. For a bit of extra greenery, steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side add crunch and balance. Sometimes, I throw in a simple cucumber salad to cool things down if it gets spicy.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe in pineapple halves—just hollow out the fruit and pile your chicken and rice inside. It looks spectacular and adds a little wow factor without much extra work. Another fun idea is skewering chicken chunks and pineapple, grilling them, then drizzling with the sauce for a casual party vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, cool them quickly and store in an airtight container in the fridge. I find it best eaten within a day as the veggies start to soften more over time. When ready to eat again, reheating in a pan with a splash of water helps bring back that saucy consistency.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze this dish because the peppers and onions tend to get soggy and lose texture upon thawing. If you do freeze it, consider leaving out veggies or adding fresh ones when reheating to keep things fresher.

Reheating

To reheat, warm a tablespoon of oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat, then add the pineapple chicken. Stir frequently to heat evenly and avoid drying out. If the sauce looks too thick, adding a splash of water or broth loosens it up and refreshes that sticky glow.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so adaptable and bursting with flavor. There’s something incredibly satisfying about that glossy, sticky sauce coating tender chicken and sweet pineapple. I love sharing it with friends because it’s simple to make but feels special enough for a weekend dinner or a spontaneous weeknight treat. Give it a try, and I think it’ll quickly find a favorite spot on your dinner table too!

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