If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavor and a perfect balance of sweet and savory, you have to try this Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Recipe. Imagine tender chicken thighs glazed in a luscious, caramelized sauce made from bourbon, pineapple juice, and brown sugar, offering a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist. This dish is not only incredibly easy to make but also feels like a special treat, ideal for impressing family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Let me take you through how to bring this tropical-inspired, irresistible supper to life.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Recipe lies in its simple, yet bold ingredients. Each one plays a key role in contributing depth, sweetness, and tang, creating a melody of flavors that dance on your palate.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly juicy and forgiving, chicken thighs hold the sauce beautifully without drying out.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a great sear that locks in flavor and adds a subtle richness.
- 1/3 cup bourbon: Adds that unmistakable warm, smoky depth that really elevates the dish.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce: Brings a salty, umami backbone that balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup honey: A natural sweetener that thickens the sauce into a glossy glaze.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Boosts the caramel notes and intensifies the stickiness of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice: Adds tropical brightness and a gentle tang.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Gives a subtle vinegar sharpness that cuts through the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Contributes complexity with its savory, slightly tangy flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of aromatic savoriness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Offers a fresh, zesty heat that brightens the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: For thickening the sauce into that perfect sticky coating.
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks: Adds sweet bursts of fruit and a lovely contrast in texture.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and mild onion flavor.
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional): A nutty crunch that’s a delightful finishing touch.
- Cooked rice, for serving: The perfect bed to soak up all the glorious sauce.
How to Make Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until they’re beautifully browned on all sides, around 5 to 7 minutes. This browning step creates wonderful flavor through caramelization and gives the chicken a rich base before adding the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Once the chicken is browned, remove it and set aside. Using the same skillet (all those flavorful browned bits will stay right there), pour in the bourbon, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer while scraping the bottom to lift up every bit of flavor. This sauce is where the magic happens — it blends sweetness, tang, and umami perfectly.
Step 3: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce
Return the chicken back to the skillet and cover it. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes. During this time, the chicken will soak up the glorious flavors while becoming tender and juicy. This slow simmer ensures your chicken is cooked through while maintaining tenderness.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Add Pineapple
Stir the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the skillet along with the sweet pineapple chunks. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency. The pineapple pieces add a fun texture and boost the fruity brightness of this dish, making every bite exciting.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Now that your Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken is ready, serve it hot over a fluffy bed of cooked rice. This will soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce and make your meal feel complete and comforting.
How to Serve Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes always takes a dish from great to gorgeous, and here it’s no different. Scatter sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, crisp bite and a pop of color. Toasted sesame seeds add a lovely nutty crunch and an extra layer of flavor that’s subtle but elevating.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice or even coconut rice to enhance the tropical vibe. For veggies, consider lightly steamed broccoli or snap peas that add slight crunch without overpowering the main flavors. A fresh cucumber salad with a touch of lime would also brighten the plate and add refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the chicken in individual mini cast iron skillets right to the table, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Or, use pineapple boat halves to cradle the dish for a fun, festive presentation. Wrapping the chicken in lettuce leaves for a low-carb wrap style also adds a fun twist for casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, no worries — they keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making for an equally delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Recipe freezes well. Pop cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the sauce’s luscious texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave covered in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Add a splash of water or pineapple juice if the sauce needs loosening up while warming.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but chicken thighs stay juicier and tend to absorb the sauce better. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook to avoid dryness.
Is bourbon necessary for the flavor?
Bourbon adds a unique depth and sweetness that’s hard to replicate, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, consider substituting with additional pineapple juice and a splash of vanilla extract for complexity.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild with no added spice, however, you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want a little kick.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or a flour slurry to thicken the sauce if cornstarch isn’t on hand.
Does the pineapple juice come from fresh pineapple?
Store-bought pineapple juice works perfectly here for convenience and consistent flavor, but fresh juice can add an extra bright zing if you have it on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that’s simply bursting with flavor, yet surprisingly easy to pull together any night of the week. It’s the perfect way to switch up your dinner routine and bring a little tropical sunshine to your table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do — trust me, it’s a winner every single time!
Print
Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich bourbon-soy sauce glaze with pineapple juice and chunks, served over steamed rice. This dish balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1/3 cup bourbon
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
Garnish and Serving
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, combine bourbon, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and pineapple chunks. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency and the pineapple is heated through.
- Serve: Plate the chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Bourbon can be substituted with whiskey or omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
- Adjust sweetness by varying honey and brown sugar quantities to taste.
- Ensure to cook the cornstarch slurry well to avoid any starchy flavor in the sauce.
- Serve with steamed white or brown rice to complement the rich sauce.
