Sticky Pineapple Chicken (Printable)
Tender chicken glazed in sweet pineapple sauce with bell pepper and sesame seeds.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken Preparation
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1/2 tsp salt
03 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
04 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
→ Sweet Pineapple Sauce
05 - 1 cup pineapple juice
06 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
07 - 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
08 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
09 - 2 tbsp ketchup
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
12 - 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
→ Vegetables & Garnishes
13 - 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
14 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
15 - 2 green onions, sliced
16 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds
→ For Cooking
17 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
# Directions:
01 - Season chicken pieces thoroughly with salt and black pepper. Toss with 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a mixing bowl until every piece is evenly coated.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add half the seasoned chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside. Repeat with remaining oil and chicken.
03 - In the same skillet, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
04 - Pour in pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and ketchup. Stir continuously to dissolve sugar and bring to a gentle simmer.
05 - Stir in diced red bell pepper and fresh pineapple chunks. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes until peppers begin to soften.
06 - Return cooked chicken to the pan. Whisk cornstarch slurry again and stir into sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes while stirring until sauce thickens and coats all ingredients.
07 - Remove from heat immediately. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sauce hits that perfect sweet and savory balance that keeps you going back for just one more bite
- It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
02 -
- Don't crowd the pan when searing chicken or it will steam instead of getting that golden crust we're after
- The sauce thickens quickly once the slurry goes in, so have your garnishes ready before adding it
03 -
- Let the sauce simmer for an extra minute if you prefer it thicker and more clingy
- Reserve a splash of pineapple juice to thin the sauce if it reduces too much