Okay, you guys, get ready for this. What are some of the best weeknight recipes for Pineapple Chicken? I’m talking faster than ordering takeout, and WAY more satisfying. Think General Tso’s Chicken, but with a tropical twist and fewer fuss. I swear, the sweet and savory combo of juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and an irresistible, sticky, sour sauce. The combination of a sticky and spicy taste. What are some good sauces that will have everyone licking their plates clean? My kids, who are usually the pickiest eaters on the planet, beg for this constantly. Is this a total winner?

What is Easy Sticky Pineapple Chicken?

Think of it as a little slice of sunshine on the plate! Easy Sticky Pineapple Chicken is essentially bite-sized pieces of chicken breast cooked in a pan. What is a deliciously sticky sauce with pineapple chunks? It’s inspired by classic Asian flavors, but with a simpler, more approachable method perfect for preparing food. What are some of the The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. What are the ingredients required What’s your favorite takeout dish? How do I adjust the sweetness and spice level? What is comfort food with a tropical vacation vibe?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I even begin? This recipe is seriously the answer to so many dinner dilemmas. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The sweetness of the pineapple perfectly complements the savory chicken and the tangy sauce. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! What I love most about this Easy Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe is how unbelievably easy it is to make. Seriously, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when you’re short on time and energy. Plus, it’s super cost-effective. Chicken breasts are relatively inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry.

And let’s not forget its versatility! You can serve this over rice, noodles, quinoa, or even alongside roasted vegetables. It’s also great as leftovers the next day. My kids love it in their lunchboxes! It’s similar to honey garlic chicken in its ease and kid-friendly appeal, but the pineapple really elevates it to another level. Honestly, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with takeout. It’s healthier, tastier, and way more satisfying. You’ve gotta try this one!

How do I make sticky pineapple chicken?

Quick Overview

How easy is it to make Sticky Pineapple Chicken? How do you cook chicken and pineapple? What is the best way to make a sauce? Next, you’ll quickly stir-fry the chicken until it’s cooked through, then add the onion and the pineapple. Serve immediately. Simmer until sauce thickens and becomes gloriously sticky. That’s it! I am a beginner cook. I’ve never cooked before. What is the secret to cooking? Trust me, you’ve got this!

Ingredients Notes Ingredient

For the Chicken: What is the best
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best for this recipe. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
Cornstarch: This helps to create a crispy coating on the chicken and also thickens the sauce.
Egg: Just one egg helps the cornstarch stick to the chicken.
Salt and pepper: To season the chicken. Keep it simple!

For the Sauce:
Pineapple Juice: This is the base of the sauce and provides that delicious pineapple flavor. Use 100% pineapple juice for the best results.
Soy Sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor to the sauce. How do I reduce the saltiness of soy sauce?
Brown Sugar: For sweetness and to create that sticky texture.
What are some of the best uses for rice vinegar?
Ketchup: Adds a touch of acidity and sweetness.
Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics add a ton of flavor to the sauce. What is the best way to use fresh ginger and garlic?
Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat. Omit if you prefer milder flavor.
Cornstarch slurry: A mixture of corn starch and water that thickens the sauce.

Other:
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned pineapple chunks work well. If using canned, make sure to drain them well.
Sesame seeds (optional): For garnish.
Green onions (optional): For garnish.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

How do I get a large non-stick skillet ready? How do you clean a skillet? How do I get a nice sear on chicken? Can you use any neutral oil of your choice?

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk the egg. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. In another bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated. How do you make a light crust on chicken? This step is crucial so make sure you get it right.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the coated chicken pieces to the preheated skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Is there a way to make it through, If you overcrowd the pan, make sure not to over-cook the chicken. It will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook chicken in batches. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated cheese, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). This sauce is the star of the show, so make sure it’s well combined!

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create slurry. How do you thicken sauce? Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Is there a time limit for

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken and pineapple chunks to the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss. Simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce should be nice and sticky at this point.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over rice, noodles or quinoa. Enjoy! I usually make rice but feel free to get creative. I’ve also used rice noodles and the dish came out perfect as well.

5. What to Serve It With

What is the best way to serve it?

How do I make Sticky Pineapple Chicken? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?

Over Rice:What is the classic pairing? What are some good alternatives to white rice? How does the rice soak up the sauce?

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With Noodles:Serve it over your favorite noodles, like lo mein noodles or even rice noodles. How does the sticky sauce stick to the noodles?

Alongside Roasted VegetableWhat are some good options for a healthy meal? What are carrots and zucchini? The sweetness of the pineapple complements the savory vegetables beautifully.

As Lettuce Wraps:What are some good ways to serve chicken and pineapple in lettuce cups?

My family loves a big bowl of rice in the middle. It’s so good! What is a good side of spring rolls?

How do I make sticky pineapple chicken?

Alright, let’s talk about some tips and tricks to make sure your Easy Sticky Pineapple Chicken is absolutely perfect every time!

Chicken Prep: Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces for even cooking. If the pieces are too big, they’ll take longer to cook and may not be as tender. I like to cut them into about 1-inch cubes.

Sauce Consistency: The key to a truly “sticky” sauce is the cornstarch slurry. Make sure to whisk the cornstarch and water together thoroughly before adding it to the skillet. This prevents lumps from forming in the sauce. The sauce will thicken as it simmers, so be patient and let it do its thing.

Pineapple Choice: Fresh pineapple is always a great option, but canned pineapple works just as well in this recipe. If using canned, make sure to drain it well before adding it to the skillet.

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount and add more as needed. You can also use a pinch of cayenne pepper for a more intense heat.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it’s just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. It will continue to cook in the sauce, so don’t worry if it’s not completely cooked when you remove it from the skillet.

Glaze Variation: Want to experiment a little? Try adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the glaze for an even stickier sauce. A dash of sesame oil can also add a nice nutty flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! This Easy Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe stores and reheats beautifully.

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving the chicken at room temperature for more than two hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits, so it’s often even better the next day!

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Glaze Timing Advice: I usually glaze the dish right before I’m ready to serve it for maximum freshness, but you can also freeze it in the sauce, it doesn’t really matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well. Just be sure to trim off any excess fat. They might need a bit longer cooking time, so keep an eye on them.

Can I make this vegetarian?

You bet! Tofu is a great substitute for the chicken. Just press the tofu to remove excess water, then cube it and follow the same cooking instructions as the chicken. You could also use tempeh or even cauliflower florets for a fun twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, it’s not entirely gluten-free because of the soy sauce. But you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, make sure to double-check all your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the sauce and chop the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to cook, just follow the recipe instructions. This makes it even faster to get dinner on the table.

How can I make this spicier?

If you like a little more heat, you can add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Another option is to use a spicier chili garlic sauce in place of some of the soy sauce.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! My go-to Easy Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe that always disappears in minutes. I just know you and your family are going to love it. It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and totally customizable. What more could you ask for? Seriously, if you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and stress-free, this is it. And once you have tried this recipe, if you are looking for other similarly easy recipes that will be perfect for dinner time, check out my lemon chicken recipe!
Now, I want to hear from you! Have you tried this recipe? What did you think? What are your favorite variations? Leave a comment below and let me know! And if you loved this recipe, be sure to give it a rating. Happy cooking, friends!

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Easy Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe

What is Easy Sticky Pineapple Chicken?

Why you’ll love this recipe?