Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that just works every single time. The sweet, tangy pineapple pairs perfectly with the rich, sticky soy-based sauce, creating a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and a little exotic. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or looking to impress friends with something different, this recipe has your back.

What I love about this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to make but how much it feels like a special treat. It’s perfect when you want something a little zingy and fresh but without complicated ingredients or long prep times. And trust me, once you’ve tried it with homemade sauce bubbling away in your pan, you won’t want to go back to takeout.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe all come together beautifully—the cornstarch gives the chicken a lovely golden crust, and the pineapple juice adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly. When shopping, fresh garlic and ginger really make a difference, so try to grab good quality.

• Chicken breasts: I prefer skinless, boneless for easy chopping and quick cooking.
• Cornflour (cornstarch): This is key for that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning, but essential for flavor balance.
• Oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower for frying at high heat.
• Chopped pineapple in juice: The canned kind works great since it includes the juice for the sauce.
• Soft brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramel sweetness that deepens the sauce.
• Dark soy sauce: Gives the dish its savory, umami kick—don’t skip this!
• Tomato puree: Adds subtle acidity and richness to the sauce.
• Onion: I like chopping into wedges for nice texture bursts.
• Red bell pepper: Adds crunch and color contrast, plus sweetness.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic really brightens up the flavors.
• Ginger: Minced ginger brings warmth and a slight zing to the dish.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often tweak it based on what I have on hand or how spicy I’m feeling—don’t be shy about making it yours!

• Spicy kick: I sometimes add a teaspoon of chili flakes or swap sriracha for a more fiery version. It cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
• Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, tossing in cornstarch for crispiness just like with the chicken.
• Extra veggies: Try adding snap peas or baby corn to boost the crunch factor and add color.
• Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and make sure your tomato puree and other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Bulk it up: Double the recipe easily for meal prep or when friends come over, just expect a slightly longer cooking time.

How to Make Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken Perfectly

Start by chopping your chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks—this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Then sprinkle the cornstarch, along with a pinch of salt and pepper, over the chicken. I like to use my hands to mix it all together; this way you coat every piece nicely with the cornflour, which makes all the difference for that glorious crispy texture.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat until it’s almost smoking. Add the chicken pieces, and don’t crowd the pan—this ensures they get golden instead of steaming. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 5 to 6 minutes, until the chicken is beautifully golden on all sides. You’ll smell that lovely caramelizing happening, and it’s a good sign you’re on track.

Step 3: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

While the chicken cooks, mix together the pineapple juice from the can (don’t pour it out!), brown sugar, dark soy sauce, and tomato puree in a small bowl. This blend is your sauce base, packed with sweet, salty, and tangy flavors that will soon coat the chicken and vegetables.

Step 4: Add the Veggies and Pineapple

Add the onion wedges and red bell pepper chunks to the wok with the chicken and stir-fry for 2 minutes. This keeps them crisp-tender and vibrant. Then toss in the pineapple chunks, cooking for another 2 minutes to let them warm through and sweeten the whole dish.

Step 5: Aromatics & Simmer

Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook them for about a minute. This is the secret to layering in that fresh, punchy aroma. Then pour in your stir-fry sauce and let everything bubble on medium-high heat. Stir occasionally as the sauce thickens and becomes sticky, about 5 to 6 minutes, until it coats the chicken in a glossy, caramelized layer.

How to Serve Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh coriander (cilantro) on top for a bright herbal note that cuts through the rich sauce. A drizzle of sriracha adds a little heat and zing if you like things spicy. These simple garnishes transform it from everyday dinner to something a little more special.

Side Dishes

Serving this sticky pineapple chicken over fluffy boiled rice works wonders for soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce. Sometimes, I also like a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas to add a healthy crunch and more color on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve served this recipe in pineapple bowls—yes, hollowed-out pineapples! It’s perfect for summer dinners or when you want to impress guests. Another idea is plating it on a bed of coconut rice with toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top for extra texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. The chicken and sauce actually taste quite good the next day once everything’s had time to meld together, though the sauce won’t be quite as sticky as fresh.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this sticky pineapple chicken because the bell peppers and onions tend to get soggy after thawing, which changes the texture quite a bit. If you want to prep ahead, stick to refrigerating instead.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat and toss in the chicken. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and ensure even warming—it takes about 10 minutes to get it piping hot again. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up a bit.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my dinner rotation because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a treat but comes together so quickly. It hits that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy with tender chicken and fresh vegetables. I hope once you give it a try, it becomes a favorite for your family or your next cozy night in. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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