Sticky Pineapple Chicken And Rice

Name: Sticky Pineapple Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked jasmine rice; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Highlighted under: Exotic Inspirations Co.

I absolutely love making Sticky Pineapple Chicken and Rice for my family! The blend of sweet pineapple with tender chicken creates a flavorful harmony that is hard to resist. Every bite is a perfect mixture of savory and sweet that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s quite simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner. I often add extra veggies for a pop of color and nutrition, turning this dish into a complete meal that is just as enjoyable as it is satisfying.

Created by

Adeline Morris

Last updated on 2026-02-10T22:23:36.504Z

When I first experimented with combining pineapple and chicken, I was amazed at how well the flavors complemented each other. The sticky sauce, made from soy sauce and brown sugar, adds a decadent sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. One key tip I’ve learned is to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes; this helps to tenderize the meat and deepen the flavors.

Not only is this dish a crowd-pleaser, but it also comes together quickly, making it perfect for a last-minute dinner. I often serve it over fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Don't forget to garnish with fresh green onions for added color and flavor!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and tangy pineapple balance with savory chicken
Easy to make in under 40 minutes
A complete meal that's big on flavor and nutrition

Perfecting the Marinade

The marinade for the chicken is critical to achieving that sticky and flavorful glaze. The combination of soy sauce and brown sugar creates a delicious balance of sweet and salty that penetrates the chicken. I recommend allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have more time, an hour or even overnight in the refrigerator can deepen the flavors even further. Just remember to cover it properly to prevent any cross-contamination.

For those who may have dietary restrictions, tamari can serve as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. Additionally, you can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar. If you prefer less sugar, try using honey or maple syrup as a substitute, although this may alter the final taste slightly. Whatever you choose, ensure that your marinade evenly coats the chicken for the best results.

Cooking Techniques for Tender Chicken

When cooking the marinated chicken, it's vital to use medium heat to prevent burning while still achieving a golden, caramelized exterior. If your skillet is too hot, the sugar in the marinade can scorch, leading to an unpleasant bitterness. Stir the chicken occasionally, ensuring all sides are cooked and browned, which usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once the chicken is no longer pink and firms up, it’s ready for the next step.

Adding the pineapple during the last few minutes of cooking not only enhances the flavor but also allows it to absorb some of the savory notes from the chicken. Ensure your pineapple chunks are cut evenly for consistent cooking; larger pieces can take longer to heat through. If you prefer a bit more texture, I recommend using fresh pineapple over canned, as it tends to hold its shape better.

Serving and Storage Tips

This dish is best served fresh, with the sticky chicken over a warm bed of jasmine rice. To elevate the meal, you can add steamed vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even broccoli for added nutrition and vibrancy. If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove to maintain moisture, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

If you're looking to scale this recipe up for a larger gathering, simply double the ingredients and ensure your frying pan is sufficiently large; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning. Alternatively, you can cook in batches. Leftovers can be frozen for up to three months; just separate them into portions for easy meal prep later.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delicious Sticky Pineapple Chicken and Rice.

For the Chicken:

1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice:

2 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Ensure everything is freshly prepared for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect Sticky Pineapple Chicken and Rice.

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken cubes and toss well to coat. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it's golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Stir in the pineapple chunks during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Prepare the Rice

While the chicken is cooking, heat sesame oil in another pot. Add the cooked rice and toss until warmed through. Add chopped green onions and mix well.

Combine and Serve

Serve the sticky chicken over a generous scoop of rice. Enjoy garnished with extra green onions if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a splash of chili sauce to the marinade. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredient Variations

While chicken breast is the star of this dish, feel free to substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor and juicier texture. Thighs require a little longer to cook, generally around 10-12 minutes, so adjust your timing accordingly. You can also experiment with proteins like shrimp or tofu if you're looking for a lighter or vegetarian option.

For added color and nutrition, consider stirring in a variety of veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas during the last few minutes of cooking the chicken. These can be sautéed together with the pineapple to absorb the delicious flavors of the dish without becoming too soft.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chicken isn't browning as expected, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. A good test is to drop a small piece into the pan; if it sizzles immediately, you're ready. Conversely, if the chicken is sticking, your pan may not have enough oil or the heat might be too low, which can cause the marinade to form a glaze rather than sear.

Another common issue is an overly watery dish. If you find the sauce too thin at the end of cooking, increase the heat slightly to help reduce it. Alternatively, whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water and add it to the pan to thicken the sauce quickly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen pineapple?

Yes, frozen pineapple works well! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess juice before adding.

→ What can I substitute for chicken?

You can use tofu or shrimp as a substitute for chicken, adjusting cooking times as necessary.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to cook.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli are great additions for extra nutrition and color.