If you love bold flavors and that perfect balance of sweet and savory, you’re in for a real treat with this Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Recipe. It brings together tender chicken thighs bathed in a luscious sauce that’s bursting with pineapple’s tropical sweetness, the warmth of bourbon, and a hint of ginger and garlic. Each bite is a delightful dance of sticky, tangy, and rich flavors, making this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends. Believe me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—each item is simple, easy to find, and plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. Together, they build the foundation for that irresistible Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken experience you’re about to enjoy.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicier and more flavorful than breasts, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavor of the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to a glorious golden brown crust.
- 1 cup pineapple juice: Adds that fresh, tropical sweetness that’s the heart of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup bourbon: Brings warmth and a subtle depth that elevates the dish.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami richness balancing the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens and helps create that sticky, glossy coating.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a gentle tang to cut through the richness nicely.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses savory fragrance and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Adds a subtle zing and warmth.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to the perfect sticky consistency.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch for smooth incorporation.
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks: For bursts of juicy sweetness and a touch of texture.
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped: Brightens the dish with fresh color and flavor.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Adds a nutty crunch as an elegant garnish.
How to Make Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken thighs generously with salt and fresh black pepper on both sides. This simple step layers essential flavor right from the get-go and ensures your chicken isn’t bland when it hits the pan.
Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Place the chicken thighs in the hot oil and sear each side for about 4 to 5 minutes, until a gorgeous golden-brown crust forms. This not only locks in the juices but also adds that irresistible caramelized flavor that makes this dish so crave-worthy. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and combine pineapple juice, bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well so everything blends into a harmonious symphony of sweet, sour, and savory notes that will make your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 4: Simmer and Reduce
Bring this flavorful mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for around 5 minutes. This step melds the ingredients together and lets the alcohol in the bourbon mellow into a rich depth that subtly enhances every bite.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch together with water until smooth. Slowly add this mixture to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously. Watch how the sauce thickens up beautifully, transforming into that sweet and sticky glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Step 6: Simmer Chicken in the Sauce
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, along with any juices that have gathered. Let everything simmer together for 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to occasionally spoon the sauce over the chicken so each piece soaks up those incredible flavors and the sauce thickens even more.
Step 7: Add Pineapple Chunks
Finally, toss in the fresh pineapple chunks and allow them to warm through for an additional 5 minutes. These juicy pieces add that fresh texture contrast and reinforce the tropical vibes of the Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Recipe.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Serve your chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like a little extra crunch. This dish looks as delightful as it tastes and is sure to steal the show.
How to Serve Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions brings brightness and a modest onion kick that balances the sweetness nicely. Adding toasted sesame seeds offers a pleasantly nutty crunch that makes every forkful a little more exciting. These small touches elevate presentation and flavor in subtle but impactful ways.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice that can soak up all that glorious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy add vibrant color and a fresh crunch to round out the meal. Even a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken in lettuce cups for a fresh take or on a bed of cauliflower rice for a lighter option. You could also pair it with fried rice or even tacos made with corn tortillas for a casual, crowd-pleasing dinner party. No matter how you present it, the Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Recipe dazzles every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious meal, simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The chicken and sauce will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for even longer, this recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months without losing its fantastic flavor and texture.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking or drying out. You may add a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier because of their higher fat content, chicken breasts will work too. Just be careful not to overcook them since they can dry out more easily.
Is it necessary to use bourbon in the recipe?
Bourbon adds a unique warmth and depth that makes this dish special, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with extra pineapple juice or a mixture of apple juice and a splash of vanilla extract for some sweetness.
How spicy is this Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Recipe?
This recipe is mild and mostly focuses on sweet and savory flavors. However, if you like some heat, you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when making the sauce.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can fully prepare and cook the dish ahead of time. Just keep it chilled and reheat before serving. The flavors often deepen and improve after resting.
What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can use arrowroot powder or flour as alternatives. Just adjust the quantity to about double if using flour, and mix well with cold water before adding to avoid lumps.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Recipe is the kind of dish that brings a burst of joy to your family table and invites compliments each time you make it. The combination of flavors is truly unforgettable and pretty simple to put together once you get started. So why wait? Grab those ingredients and treat yourself to a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make!
Print
Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 40m
- Total Time: 0h 55m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful, juicy dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a luscious sauce made from pineapple juice, bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar. This sweet and savory recipe is elevated with fresh pineapple chunks and fragrant ginger and garlic, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Thickening
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs generously on both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour pineapple juice, bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger into the same skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for approximately 5 minutes to meld flavors and reduce slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Cook Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken thighs and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the chicken to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption. The chicken should be cooked through and the sauce sticky.
- Add Pineapple Chunks: Stir in fresh pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 5 minutes to warm the fruit and infuse the dish with sweetness.
- Serve: Plate the chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired, to add color and a slight crunch.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with additional pineapple juice or apple cider.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch slurry, but add gradually to avoid over-thickening.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness, but chicken breasts can be used; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Make sure to simmer the bourbon sauce carefully to cook off the alcohol and concentrate flavors.
