There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Sticky Pineapple Chicken Thighs wafting through your kitchen, making your mouth water and your taste buds sing. Imagine tender chicken thighs smothered in a sweet and tangy sauce that brings tropical vibes right into your home. The juicy pineapple chunks add a burst of flavor that dances with the savory notes of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Sticky Pineapple Chicken Thighs</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use skinless chicken thighs?
- What can I serve with Sticky Pineapple Chicken Thighs?
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends, these Sticky Pineapple Chicken Thighs will steal the spotlight and leave everyone begging for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means even novice cooks can whip this up with confidence
- Bursting with tropical flavors, this dish is a delightful escape from the ordinary
- Its vibrant colors create visual appeal on your dinner table, making it a feast for the eyes as well
- Versatile enough for various occasions, this recipe shines just as brightly at backyard barbecues as it does at cozy weeknight dinners
The first time I made these Sticky Pineapple Chicken Thighs, my friends couldn’t stop raving about them. They even asked for leftovers to take home!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless thighs are perfect for absorbing all those delicious flavors.
Fresh Pineapple: Choose ripe pineapples for optimal sweetness; canned works in a pinch but lacks that fresh zing.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps balance flavors without overwhelming saltiness.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and enhances caramelization; light or dark works great.
Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger brings warmth and depth; don’t skip it!
Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds robust flavor; aim for at least three cloves.
Sesame Oil: A splash of sesame oil gives an aromatic finish; it’s optional but recommended.
Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce into a sticky glaze; essential to achieve that desired texture.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions are great for garnish; they add freshness and color.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Sticky Pineapple Chicken Thighs
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking once we get everything ready.
Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until combined. It should smell heavenly.
Add Cornstarch for Thickness: Stir in cornstarch gradually until it dissolves completely. This will give your sauce that glossy stickiness we crave.
Marinate the Chicken Thighs: Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour marinade over them and let them soak up all the goodness for at least 30 minutes.
Sear the Chicken Thighs: In an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, sear marinated chicken thighs for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds extra flavor!
Add Pineapple Chunks & Bake : Scatter fresh pineapple chunks around the chicken in the skillet. Transfer it to your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Enjoying these Sticky Pineapple Chicken Thighs is like taking a mini vacation on your plate! The combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken creates an explosion of flavors that you won’t forget anytime soon. Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up any night of the week—who knew tropical paradise could be so accessible?
You Must Know
- Sticky Pineapple Chicken Thighs are not just delicious; they make any day feel like a tropical getaway
- The combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken creates a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress your family or guests
- Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan first to lock in juiciness, then simmer with the pineapple sauce for ultimate flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pineapple for mango or add some spice with jalapeños for an extra kick in flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For juicy chicken, don’t skip marinating!
- It enhances flavor and tenderness
- Always use fresh pineapple juice for brightness
- Let the sauce reduce for a stickier texture that clings beautifully to the chicken
Culinary adventures often come with surprises, like when my niece declared these Sticky Pineapple Chicken Thighs “the best thing ever” at our last family barbecue!
FAQ
Can I use skinless chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Skinless thighs work well but may be slightly less juicy.
What can I serve with Sticky Pineapple Chicken Thighs?
Serve them with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for some heat!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Sticky Pineapple Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Sticky Pineapple Chicken Thighs are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that transform your kitchen into a tropical paradise. This easy-to-make dish features succulent chicken thighs bathed in a sticky pineapple sauce, complemented by garlic and ginger. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe promises to impress and satisfy every palate.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Gradually stir in cornstarch until dissolved.
- Marinate chicken thighs in the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Sear marinated chicken in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
- Add pineapple chunks around the chicken and bake for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 oz (113g)
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg