Sticky Pineapple Chicken

This Sticky Pineapple Chicken is a tropical dream! It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, with a sticky glaze that coats the chicken to perfection. Imagine the juicy chicken paired with a luscious pineapple sauce, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking to spice up a weeknight dinner or impress guests at your next dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit. Ready for some serious flavor magic? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love Sticky Pineapple Chicken

Get ready for a dish that’s packed with vibrant flavors and mouthwatering texture! This recipe checks all the boxes for a standout meal:

Sweet and Savory Perfection

The tangy pineapple glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness, while the soy sauce and garlic balance things out with a savory kick. It’s a sauce you’ll want to pour on everything.

Simple and Quick

With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a flavorful dish on the table in no time. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for busy nights when you still want something special.

One-Pan Wonder

No need to fuss over multiple pots and pans. Everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup as easy as it gets.

Customizable

Love a little heat? Add some chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick. Want a richer flavor? Toss in a bit of ginger or brown sugar. This dish is easily adaptable to suit your tastes.

Family-Friendly

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. The sweet pineapple flavor is sure to be a hit, even with picky eaters!

Ingredients

Let’s dive into the ingredients that come together to make this delicious dish:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs

Choose whichever you prefer! Chicken breasts give you a lean, tender cut, while thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Either way, you’ll get a succulent result.

Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice adds that refreshing tropical flavor that makes this dish truly shine. It’s the base of the glaze that coats the chicken in a sticky-sweet sauce.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce adds a salty, umami flavor to the glaze that perfectly balances out the pineapple’s sweetness.

Honey

For a natural sweetness that complements the pineapple, honey is the secret ingredient that makes the glaze sticky and rich.

Garlic

Garlic is the unsung hero of this dish, adding a savory depth to the sauce that pairs perfectly with the pineapple and soy sauce.

Cornstarch

A bit of cornstarch is used to thicken the glaze, giving it that perfect sticky consistency that coats the chicken beautifully.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to create this sticky, sweet, and savory masterpiece:

Cook the Chicken

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and cook your chicken breasts (or thighs) for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Make the Pineapple Glaze

In the same skillet, add pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a pinch of cornstarch. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens into a sticky glaze.

Coat the Chicken

Once the glaze has thickened, return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it, making sure each piece is generously coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors and get nice and sticky.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the sticky pineapple chicken with your favorite side dishes, like rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Garnish with some chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 375 calories (based on 4 servings)

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

• Calories: 375
• Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 36g
• Protein: 28g
• Vitamin A: 2%
• Calcium: 4%
• Iron: 8%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve Sticky Pineapple Chicken

This dish is fantastic on its own, but here are some great sides to elevate the meal:

With Steamed Rice

Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious sticky sauce. Jasmine or basmati rice would be perfect!

With Roasted Vegetables

Pair the dish with some roasted veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots. The sweet pineapple glaze pairs wonderfully with their savory flavors.

With a Green Salad

For a lighter, refreshing side, serve this with a simple green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s the perfect contrast to the richness of the chicken.

With Noodles

For a twist, serve the sticky pineapple chicken over some noodles—think lo mein or rice noodles for a delicious fusion-style meal.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead

To save time, marinate the chicken in the pineapple glaze for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This will allow the flavors to really sink into the meat.

Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the glaze. It will add a spicy kick that balances out the sweetness.

Storage Tips

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop to bring back that sticky goodness.

Double the Batch

This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. Make extra and store it in the fridge or freezer for an easy lunch or dinner later in the week.

Freezer-Friendly

If you want to make this ahead, assemble the chicken and glaze, then freeze the entire dish. When you’re ready to cook, just thaw and heat it up on the stove!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes! You can use chicken breasts if you prefer, but chicken thighs will be juicier and more tender.

Q2: How do I make the glaze thicker?
A2: You can add a little more cornstarch to the glaze while it’s simmering. Just make sure to dissolve it in a bit of water before adding it to the pan to avoid clumps.

Q3: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A3: Absolutely! You can add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking to soak up the sticky glaze.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q5: Can I make this dish spicy?
A5: Yes! Add red pepper flakes or a little sriracha to the glaze to give it a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your taste.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the chicken and glaze together. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.

Q7: What should I serve with this dish?
A7: This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Q8: Can I use canned pineapple juice?
A8: Yes, canned pineapple juice works just fine for this recipe. Just make sure it’s 100% pineapple juice for the best flavor.

Q9: How long should I cook the chicken?
A9: Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown, then simmer with the glaze for 2-3 minutes to coat it in that sticky sauce.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, feel free to double the recipe! Just make sure your pan is large enough to fit all the chicken and glaze, and adjust the cooking time if necessary.

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