Famous Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Sticky Pineapple Chicken is a simple Asian-inspired stir-fry that combines chunks of chicken with pineapple, garlic, and a glossy sauce made from soy, hoisin, and brown sugar.

The result is tender pieces of chicken coated in a caramelized glaze that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or special tools—just a pan, a whisk, and a little time to let those flavors come together.

If you love quick dinners with a burst of flavor, this Sticky Pineapple Chicken is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to. It’s the kind of dish that brings together tender chicken,

juicy pineapple chunks, and a sticky glaze that’s both sweet and savory. I’ve made this so many times for weeknight dinners, and every single time, it disappears fast.

The balance of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and hoisin gives it that perfect sticky texture without being heavy or complicated.

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Pineapple Chicken Recipe

If you’re like me and love dinners that taste restaurant-style but are easy enough to cook on a busy day, you’re going to love this one.

Here’s why:

1. The sauce is sticky, sweet, and savory all at once.

2. It takes less than 30 minutes to make.

3. It’s family-friendly and goes great with rice, noodles, or even steamed veggies.

4. It uses pantry staples—no complicated sauces needed.

5. It’s a meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

How To Make Sticky Pineapple Chicken?

Recipe Overview

This Sticky Pineapple Chicken combines tender chunks of chicken with a glossy pineapple-soy glaze that’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make in one pan. Perfect for home cooks who love quick, refreshing dinners.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired
• Course: Dinner
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: About 385
• Serving Size: 1 cup (with rice)

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup low sodium chicken stock
• ⅓ cup hoisin sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 cup diced pineapple
• ½ cup roasted, salted cashews (optional)
• Rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Mix the sauce.

In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, chicken stock, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and cornstarch until smooth. Set it aside.

2. Cook the chicken.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden on all sides. This takes about 6–8 minutes.

3. Add the sauce.

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Stir to coat everything evenly. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 5–7 minutes.

4. Add pineapple.

Stir in the diced pineapple and let it cook for another minute or two so it warms up and blends with the sauce.

5. Serve and enjoy.

Spoon the Sticky Pineapple Chicken over steamed rice and sprinkle cashews on top if using.

Eva’s Tip: If you like extra flavor, toss in some sliced peppers, onions, or even a handful of green beans. The sauce clings beautifully to veggies, too!

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 720mg

Pro Tips

✅ Add veggies: Bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or sugar snap peas go perfectly with this sauce.

✅ Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili sauce for heat.

✅ Use other proteins: Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.

✅ Meal prep friendly: Cook the chicken and sauce, then store separately from rice. Reheat together when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving Sticky Pineapple Chicken over jasmine rice, but it’s just as good with:

▶ Steamed white or brown rice

▶ Stir-fried noodles

▶ Quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter version

▶ Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Storing Tips

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

You can also freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating..

Recipe Note

• Adjust sugar based on your taste—less for a tangy version, more for a sweeter glaze.
• Add fresh ginger to brighten up the sauce.
• Always cook the sauce until it thickens; that’s what makes it sticky and flavorful.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook the chicken in batches if needed.

FAQ For Sticky Pineapple Chicken

Conclusion

This Sticky Pineapple Chicken is one of my favorite quick dinners. It’s sweet, savory, and full of flavor without any fuss. If you’re craving something that tastes like takeout but made fresh at home, give this recipe a try tonight.

I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—drop a comment or share your version with me. Let’s keep cooking simple and delicious together! 🍍🍗