Sticky Pineapple Chicken
Sticky Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant and mouthwatering dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. The sauce is packed with flavor, thanks to the rich pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, and a touch of garlic and ginger. This dish is a perfect balance of savory and sweet, with the sticky glaze coating each piece of chicken beautifully. It’s an easy and quick meal that works well served over rice or with your favorite vegetables, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion!
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
For the sticky pineapple sauce:
1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or from canned pineapple)
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey or brown sugar (adjust to sweetness preference)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
Garnish (optional):
Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds
Instructions:
Prepare the chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts (or thighs) and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the sticky pineapple sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir to combine.
Add the pineapple chunks and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly add this slurry to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine the chicken and sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the chicken, and simmer for another 5 minutes to let the chicken absorb the flavors and the sauce thicken further.
Serve:
Remove from heat. Serve the sticky pineapple chicken over rice, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Tips:
You can also add bell peppers or snap peas to the sauce for extra color and flavor.
If you like a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Enjoy this tasty, sweet, and savory dish!