Sticky Pineapple Chicken

Why You’ll Love Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe

• It’s quick: total time is only about 30 minutes — perfect for a weeknight dinner.

• The combination of sweet pineapple and savory sauce gives a satisfying flavor contrast.

• The chicken stays juicy thanks to the cornflour coating that helps lock in moisture.

• It’s versatile — you can serve it over boiled rice, stir-fried noodles, or cauliflower rice for a lighter variation.

• It’s easy to tweak: you can bring in more veggies, swap the protein, or add heat for a different twist.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 chicken breasts (approx. 525 g / 1.1 lbs), chopped into bite-sized chunks

• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)

• Pinch of salt and pepper

• 3 tbsp oil

• 1 onion, peeled and chopped into wedges

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped into chunks

• 435 g (15 oz) can of chopped pineapple in juice

• 2 tbsp soft brown sugar

• 3 tbsp dark soy sauce

• 1 tbsp tomato puree (tomato paste)

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

• 1 tsp minced ginger

• To serve: coriander (cilantro) and boiled rice or your choice of base

Directions

1. Place the chicken chunks in a bowl. Sprinkle over the cornflour, salt, and pepper. Mix well so the chicken is evenly coated.

2. Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat.

3. Add the coated chicken to the pan and stir-fry for 5–6 minutes, until golden on all sides.

4. In a separate bowl, mix the pineapple juice from the can with brown sugar, soy sauce, and tomato puree to make the sauce.

5. Add the onion wedges and red pepper to the pan. Stir-fry with the chicken for about 2 minutes.

6. Add the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2 minutes.

7. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until aromatic.

8. Pour in the sauce mixture. Cook on high, letting it bubble and reduce for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and the chicken is caramelized.

9. Remove from heat. Serve over rice and garnish with coriander. Add sriracha or chili for heat if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Total time: 30 minutes

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and extra juiciness.

• Swap the chicken for pork, tofu, or a meat-free substitute like Quorn.

• Add extra vegetables such as snap peas, mushrooms, or broccoli for more color and crunch.

• Use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a slightly tangier taste.

• Serve over noodles instead of rice for a stir-fry twist.

• Make it spicy by adding chili flakes, fresh chili, or sriracha to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Let leftovers cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as the vegetables may become soggy upon thawing.

• Reheating: Reheat in a wok or frying pan with a splash of water for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until hot throughout.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great and add more flavor. Just be sure to cut them into even chunks.

2. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple is a great option. You may need to cook it slightly longer to soften, and substitute with fresh juice for the sauce.

3. What can I use instead of dark soy sauce?

You can use regular soy sauce and add a small amount of molasses or brown sugar for depth of flavor.

4. Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

You can chop and portion ingredients in advance, but it’s best cooked and served fresh. It stores for up to a day in the fridge.

5. How can I scale this recipe for more or fewer people?

You can easily double or halve the ingredients. Keep in mind that cooking time may slightly increase with larger batches.

6. What’s the best side dish to serve with this?

Boiled rice is classic, but it also pairs well with stir-fried noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be opaque throughout and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

8. What if the sauce is too thin?

Let it cook a bit longer to reduce. If needed, add a small amount of cornflour mixed with water to thicken.

9. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, add chili flakes, fresh chopped chilies, or hot sauce to the stir-fry or drizzle over before serving.

10. How can I make a lower-calorie version?

Use less oil, serve with cauliflower rice, reduce the sugar in the sauce slightly, and add more vegetables for bulk.

Conclusion

Sticky Pineapple Chicken is a flavorful, quick-cooking stir-fry that delivers a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and tangy notes in every bite. With its juicy chicken, caramelized sauce, and pops of pineapple, it’s a weeknight dinner winner that’s easy to customize and satisfying to serve. Whether paired with rice, noodles, or veggies, this dish is sure to earn a spot in your regular recipe rotation.