Description
This Sticky Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and smothered in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. The combination of fresh pineapple, soy sauce, honey, and a touch of garlic and ginger creates a sticky glaze that perfectly complements the chicken, making it a delightful main course that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
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
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to ensure flavorful meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the chicken breasts or thighs. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger if using. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the flavor base for the sauce.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir the mixture well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer with Pineapple Chunks: Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Gradually stir this slurry into the simmering sauce, continuously stirring until the sauce thickens, which will take about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the thickened sauce evenly over the chicken and simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the delicious sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds as desired. Serve the sticky pineapple chicken hot alongside rice or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, fresh ginger is recommended but optional.
- Use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant taste or canned if unavailable, just drain well.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or brown sugar.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Serve with steamed white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.
