Sticky Pineapple Chicken – Sweet, Tangy & Irresistible

If you love bold, sweet, and tangy flavors, this Sticky Pineapple Chicken is going to be your new go-to dinner. Juicy chicken bites are cooked until golden, then tossed in a sticky pineapple glaze that’s both savory and sweet. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that feels like takeout—but better, fresher, and healthier.

This dish brings the tropical flavor of pineapple together with a sticky, garlicky sauce that clings perfectly to crispy chicken. Pair it with rice, noodles, or stir-fried veggies for a complete family-friendly meal.

Why You’ll Love Sticky Pineapple Chicken

• Sweet & tangy glaze – pineapple and soy sauce balance perfectly.
• Quick dinner – ready in 30 minutes or less.
• Family-approved – kid-friendly yet flavorful enough for adults.
• Versatile – serve with rice, quinoa, or stir-fried veggies.

What Is Sticky Pineapple Chicken?

It’s a fusion-style chicken stir fry where bite-sized chicken pieces are pan-fried, then coated in a homemade pineapple sauce that’s sticky, glossy, and loaded with flavor. It’s similar to sweet-and-sour chicken but with a tropical pineapple twist.

Ingredients (Exact)

For the chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oil for cooking

For the sticky pineapple sauce:

• 1 cup pineapple juice (or juice from canned pineapple chunks)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• Sesame seeds & chopped green onions, for garnish

How to Make Sticky Pineapple Chicken

1. Coat & cook chicken – Toss chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Heat oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the sauce – In the same pan, add pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
3. Thicken sauce – Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce becomes glossy and thick.
4. Combine – Add cooked chicken and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce.
5. Garnish & serve – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

• Make it spicy – add a drizzle of sriracha or red pepper flakes.
• Swap protein – works great with shrimp, pork, or even tofu.
• Use canned pineapple – easy and convenient, just don’t skip the juice.
• Meal prep – sauce and chicken can be cooked ahead and stored separately, then reheated together.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh pineapple adds a vibrant tang, but canned works perfectly and gives you juice for the sauce.

Can I make Sticky Pineapple Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, just store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove so the sauce stays sticky.

What’s the best way to serve it?
Over jasmine rice, fried rice, or with noodles and stir-fried veggies.

Conclusion

This Sticky Pineapple Chicken is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tangy. Quick to make and bursting with tropical flavor, it’s an easy dinner the whole family will love. Whether you’re meal-prepping or serving it fresh, this dish will definitely find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.