Name: Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3 chicken breasts (approx 525 g / 1.1 lbs), chopped into bite-sized chunks; 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch in USA); Pinch of salt and pepper; 3 tbsp oil; 1 onion, peeled and chopped into wedges; 1 red bell pepper, chopped into chunks; 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced; 1 tsp minced ginger; 435 g (15 oz) can of chopped pineapple in juice; 2 tbsp soft brown sugar; 3 tbsp dark soy sauce; 1 tbsp tomato puree (paste for US); Fresh coriander (cilantro); Boiled rice; Sriracha (optional, to add heat)

If you’re craving something sweet, tangy, and undeniably satisfying, this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe is right up your alley. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a little tropical escape on a plate—ripe pineapple chunks caramelized in a rich, sticky sauce coating tender chicken. I love making it on busy weeknights because it’s quick, doesn’t require fancy ingredients, and somehow manages to please everyone at the table.

What really makes this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe stand out for me is the balance of flavors and textures—the juicy chicken bites, the sweetness of the pineapple, and the subtle umami kick from soy sauce and tomato puree. Plus, the little bit of char that forms during cooking adds a lovely depth. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to recipe when you want something easy yet impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully, creating layers of flavor without complicating things. When shopping, try to get fresh ginger and garlic—they really elevate the dish, but if you’re short on time, the minced or pre-prepared versions work well too.

Chicken breasts: Using breasts cut into bite-sized chunks helps the sauce cling better and speeds up cooking.
Cornflour (cornstarch in the USA): This works wonders to give the chicken a slight crispiness and helps thicken the sauce.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out the chicken’s natural flavors.
Oil: A neutral oil like vegetable or canola is perfect for high-heat stir-frying.
Chopped pineapple in juice: Both the juice and fruit are essential—the juice forms part of the sauce, and the fruit adds juicy bursts throughout.
Soft brown sugar: It adds a deep molasses sweetness that’s more complex than white sugar.
Dark soy sauce: Gives that rich, salty savoriness that balances the pineapple’s sweetness.
Tomato puree (paste in the US): Adds a touch of acidity and thickness to the sauce.
Onion: Chopped into wedges, it cooks quickly and adds a mild sweetness.
Red bell pepper: Adds color, crunch, and a slight sweetness that pairs perfectly with the pineapple.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
Minced ginger: Adds a fresh zing that brightens the saucy chicken.

Variations

I love to tweak this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe depending on what I have on hand or how spicy I’m feeling. It’s a flexible recipe that rewards your creativity, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Add heat: I sometimes toss in a small chopped chili or add a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. It gives a fantastic kick without overpowering the sweetness.
Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp: For a vegetarian or pescatarian twist, firm tofu cubes or shrimp work beautifully—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Use fresh pineapple: If you have fresh pineapple, it adds an extra layer of brightness, though canned pineapple makes the sauce a bit easier to handle.
Vegetable swaps: Sometimes I add snap peas or baby corn for extra crunch and color.
Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of dark soy sauce to accommodate gluten-free diets without compromising flavor.

How to Make Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by placing the chopped chicken breasts in a bowl and sprinkling the cornflour, salt, and pepper over them. I like to use my hands here—it ensures every piece gets that delicate coating, which helps the chicken crisp up in the pan and thickens the sauce later on. Trust me, don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat your oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. When it’s hot and shimmering, add the chicken. Keep it moving with a spatula so it browns evenly—this should take about 5 to 6 minutes. You want the chicken golden on the outside but still tender inside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken’s cooking, whisk together the pineapple juice from the can with the brown sugar, dark soy sauce, and tomato puree. This simple mix is your magic sauce—the sweet, salty, and tangy base that gives the dish its signature stickiness.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Pineapple

Throw in the onion wedges and bell pepper chunks with the chicken. Stir-fry everything for about 2 minutes, just long enough to start softening the veggies but keep some crunch. Then add the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2 minutes so they warm through and start releasing their juices.

Step 5: Garlic, Ginger, and Sauce Time

Next, stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for just a minute until fragrant—you’ll instantly notice the kitchen filling with those amazing aromas. Pour your prepared sauce into the wok, then crank the heat to medium-high. Let the sauce bubble and reduce for around 5 to 6 minutes while you stir. This is when the magic happens—the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken, turning darker and giving that classic sticky look.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken’s beautifully glazed, turn off the heat. Serve this sticky pineapple chicken hot over freshly boiled rice, sprinkle with chopped coriander (cilantro), and don’t forget that sriracha if you like a little heat! The combo is simply irresistible.

How to Serve Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe

The image shows a black pan filled with a colorful stir-fry dish consisting of three main layers: at the bottom are chunks of cooked chicken with a golden brown color and caramelized texture, mixed evenly with red bell pepper pieces that are bright and glossy, and translucent, slightly browned onion chunks layered throughout. Scattered on top are small green cilantro leaves adding a touch of freshness and color contrast. A wooden spoon is placed inside the pan, partially lifting some of the stir-fry, showing the moist and saucy texture of the dish. The pan is on a white marbled surface with some green herbs blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh coriander on top because it adds a fresh, bright note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I chop a few spring onions for extra color and crunch. Also, a squeeze of lime juice works wonders if you want an extra zesty kick.

Side Dishes

Boiled jasmine rice or sticky rice are my top picks—both soak up that sticky sauce beautifully. For something lighter, steamed greens like bok choy or snap peas pair nicely and add a fresh crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe in individual pineapple boats—just hollow out some fresh pineapple halves and load them up. It adds flair and makes dinner feel festive without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool leftovers quickly and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to one day. Just remember, the peppers and onions start to soften, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or reheated soon after.

Freezing

Personally, I avoid freezing this recipe because the texture of the peppers and onions doesn’t hold up well. The pineapple also tends to become a bit mushy. If you do freeze it, expect a slight change in texture.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, heat a tablespoon of oil in your wok over medium heat, then add the chicken mixture. Stir continuously to warm everything evenly and prevent sticking. If the sauce thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water to loosen it as you reheat. It usually takes around 10 minutes until it’s piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring more juiciness and a richer flavor. Just make sure to cut them into similar bite-sized chunks and adjust the cooking time slightly longer if needed, ensuring they’re cooked through and tender.
How do I make Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe spicier?

You can easily add heat by mixing chili flakes or a chopped fresh chili into the sauce. Another favorite of mine is drizzling sriracha on top when serving—adds a fantastic spicy kick that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead for the Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe?

Yes, the sauce can be combined ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just stir it well before adding it to your stir-fry. This little prep step can save time, especially on busy nights.
What’s the best rice to serve with this recipe?

Jasmine rice or sticky rice work best to soak up the delicious sticky sauce. If you prefer something heartier, brown rice is also a good option, though jasmine remains my favorite for its fragrant aroma.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe always brings me right back to those laid-back dinners where everyone’s happy and plates quickly get emptied. It’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for friends. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—it’s like a little celebration of flavors in every bite. Go ahead, give it a try—I promise it’s worth it!