Sticky Pineapple Chicken: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Recipe

Sticky pineapple chicken, a symphony of sweet and savory, is about to become your new weeknight obsession! Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces, glazed in a luscious, tangy sauce, studded with chunks of sweet, caramelized pineapple. Are you drooling yet? I know I am just thinking about it!

While the exact origins of this delightful dish are debated, it’s clear that the combination of sweet and savory flavors has roots in Asian-inspired cuisine. The use of pineapple, a fruit native to South America but widely cultivated in tropical regions, adds a vibrant, tropical twist to the classic sweet and sour profile. Over time, sticky pineapple chicken has evolved into a beloved dish enjoyed around the world, adapted to suit various palates and cooking styles.

What makes this recipe so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors, of course! The sweetness of the pineapple complements the savory chicken beautifully, while the sticky glaze adds a delightful textural element. But beyond the taste, it’s also incredibly convenient. This recipe comes together quickly and easily, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Sticky Pineapple Sauce:
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• For Serving (optional):
• Cooked white rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This is your dry mixture for coating the chicken.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the dry mixture. Make sure each piece is well covered; this will help them get nice and crispy when fried.
3. In a separate small bowl, beat the egg.
4. Dip each piece of the coated chicken into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. This helps the breading adhere better and adds moisture.
5. Return the chicken to the bowl with the dry mixture and toss again to ensure a second, even coating. This double coating is key for extra crispiness!

Frying the Chicken:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when a small piece of chicken sizzles immediately upon contact. Be careful not to overheat the oil, or the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s cooked through.
2. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Work in batches if necessary.
3. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
4. Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This will help keep the chicken crispy.

Making the Sticky Pineapple Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ketchup. This forms the base of our delicious sticky sauce.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan and whisk to combine.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be able to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Add the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, pineapple chunks, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the sauce.
6. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the bell peppers are slightly softened but still have a bit of a bite.

Combining Chicken and Sauce:

1. Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the sticky pineapple sauce.
2. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the sauce. Make sure every piece is glistening with that sweet and tangy goodness!
3. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to further adhere to the chicken and heat through.

Serving:

1. Serve the sticky pineapple chicken immediately over cooked white rice. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce!
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
3. Enjoy! This dish is best served fresh and hot.

Tips for the Best Sticky Pineapple Chicken:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Work in batches if necessary.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit them altogether.
• For extra crispy chicken, try double frying. After the first fry, let the chicken cool slightly, then fry it again for a minute or two before adding it to the sauce.
• If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
• Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as onions, carrots, or broccoli.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through. The chicken may not be as crispy after reheating, but it will still be delicious!

Variations:

• Spicy Sticky Pineapple Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
• Honey Garlic Sticky Pineapple Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the sauce.
• Sticky Pineapple Shrimp: Substitute the chicken with 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook the shrimp in the sauce until pink and opaque.
• Vegetarian Sticky Pineapple “Chicken”: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Press the tofu to remove excess water before coating and frying.

Make Ahead Tips:

• The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before adding the chicken.
• The chicken can be coated and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Fry just before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
• Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
• Serve with an egg roll or spring roll.
• Serve as an appetizer or party snack.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 450-550
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 20-30g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g

This recipe is a family favorite, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! The combination of crispy chicken and sweet and tangy sauce is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and adjust the recipe to your own taste. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This sticky pineapple chicken recipe is truly a game-changer, transforming ordinary weeknight dinners into something special. I genuinely believe this is a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful, relatively quick, and satisfying meal. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and that irresistible sticky glaze is simply divine. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds singing!

Why is it a must-try? Because it’s more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the joy of creating something delicious in your own kitchen, the satisfaction of seeing your family or friends enjoy every bite, and the confidence that comes from mastering a dish that’s both impressive and easy to make. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it appealing to a wide range of palates, even those who might typically shy away from sweet-and-sour dishes. The pineapple adds a bright, tropical note that elevates the chicken to a whole new level. Plus, the sticky glaze is just… well, sticky and delicious!

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Serve this sticky pineapple chicken over fluffy white rice for a classic pairing, or try it with quinoa for a healthier option. For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice works beautifully. You could even shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or lettuce wraps. Imagine the possibilities!

Looking for variations? Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating other fruits like mango or bell peppers for added texture and flavor. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top adds a lovely visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor. You can also experiment with different cuts of chicken – boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative to breasts, offering a richer, more succulent flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve over rice or quinoa.
• Use as a filling for tacos or lettuce wraps.
• Pair with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Variations:

• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Incorporate mango or bell peppers.
• Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
• Add a splash of soy sauce for extra umami.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of sticky pineapple chicken for yourself. I truly believe it will become a staple in your kitchen, a go-to dish that you can rely on time and time again.

Now, it’s your turn! Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get cooking. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. And most importantly, have fun!

Once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let’s create a community of sticky pineapple chicken lovers! I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!