If you’re looking to impress your family or friends with a dish bursting with vibrant flavors and an irresistible glaze, this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe should be at the top of your list. Imagine tender, juicy chicken soaked in a luscious sauce that perfectly balances sweet pineapple notes with savory soy and a hint of zing from garlic and ginger. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings a tropical twist to your dinner table, making every bite a juicy, flavorful celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients—each plays a vital role in building that rich, sticky sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken. From fresh pineapple chunks adding a juicy pop to the honey or brown sugar creating the ideal sweetness, every component is essential and easy to find.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for lean protein, both work wonderfully in this recipe.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing your chicken to golden-brown perfection.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a deep savory note that’s key for that comforting taste.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a gentle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For a subtle smoky flavor and lovely color.
- 1 cup pineapple juice: Fresh or canned, this infuses the sauce with bright, tropical sweetness.
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks: Adds texture and bursts of juicy flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides the salty umami foundation of the sticky sauce.
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the sauce wonderfully; adjust based on your preference.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a mild tang.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic enhances the sauce’s aromatic quality.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional): Adds a warm, spicy depth for extra dimension.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce to that perfect sticky consistency.
- 2 tablespoons water: Used to create the cornstarch slurry to avoid lumps.
- Chopped green onions: For garnish that adds freshness and color.
- Sesame seeds: Adds a nice crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry to ensure it sears beautifully without steaming. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These spices are the flavor foundation and will create a nicely seasoned crust when cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The key is a beautifully caramelized exterior with juicy meat inside. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside; this will give you space to make the sauce right in the same pan.
Step 3: Create the Sticky Pineapple Sauce
Into that same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger if you’re using it. Sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant so you release that amazing aroma. Then pour in the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, and vinegar. Give it a good stir to combine all those wonderfully sweet and savory flavors.
Step 4: Add Pineapple Chunks and Simmer
Drop in your pineapple chunks and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes. This allows the sauce to reduce just slightly, concentrating the flavors and giving it a silkier texture with bursts of tender pineapple.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry, then slowly stir it into your simmering sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens into that irresistible sticky glaze we all love, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This step transforms your sauce into something that clings beautifully to every piece of chicken.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the thickened sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes so the chicken soaks up all the bright, sticky flavors and the sauce thickens just a little more around the meat. This step truly brings the Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe to life.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top. These garnishes not only add color and texture but also a fresh crunch that complements the sweet and savory sauce beautifully.
How to Serve Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Garnishes
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds are classic finishes for this recipe, adding a delightful crunch and vibrant color. You can also consider a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a few thinly sliced red chilies if you want to add a bit of heat and extra freshness.
Side Dishes
This sticky pineapple chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy white or brown rice, which soaks up the extra sauce perfectly. You can also try coconut rice for an extra tropical touch or pair it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to add some green freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd or a fun presentation, serve your Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe over a bed of fresh lettuce leaves as wraps, letting everyone build their own bite-sized wraps. Or, for a festive flair, serve it in hollowed-out pineapple halves—talk about a showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate is not necessary, as the chicken will stay juicy when stored together.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your leftovers, it’s best to do so without any garnish. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out the chicken. Add a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the full texture and flavor of the dish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving when cooking, so they’re actually a fantastic choice if you prefer a richer texture.
What can I substitute for pineapple juice if I don’t have any on hand?
You can use orange juice or a mix of apple juice with a splash of lemon for a similar sweetness and acidity that won’t overpower the dish.
Is ginger necessary for this recipe?
Ginger adds a lovely warmth and complexity, but if you don’t have it, the sauce will still be delicious with the other ingredients shining through.
Can I make this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha while making the sauce for a fiery kick that balances beautifully with the sweetness.
How thick should the sauce be when finished?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and cling to the chicken without running off. It’s sticky and glossy, enhancing every bite with balanced sweetness and savory depth.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because it combines such bold, bright flavors with easy preparation and comforting satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting friends, this dish will make your table feel a little more special and a lot more delicious. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sticky Pineapple Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining tender chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. This recipe features a perfectly balanced blend of spices, garlic, ginger, and a rich, sticky glaze made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, and honey. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight meal served best with rice or your favorite side dishes.
Ingredients
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
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 full flavor throughout.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts or thighs in the skillet. Cook each side for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant to build the flavor base for the sauce.
- Add Liquids and Sweetener: Pour in pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients, setting the stage for the sticky glaze.
- Simmer Pineapple: Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet and let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and deepen in flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the skillet, stirring constantly. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a nice, sticky consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the thickened sauce over each piece. Simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the sauce flavors and sauce to thicken even further.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot alongside steamed rice or your favorite side dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or brown sugar.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Ensure to cook the chicken fully to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- If using canned pineapple, drain well to prevent thinning the sauce.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.