3 Powerful Reasons to Love This Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Tonight

When you’re craving a dinner that’s sticky, sweet, savory, and absolutely unforgettable, this Pineapple Bourbon Chicken delivers. With its tangy pineapple glaze, caramelized edges, and tender chicken bites, this Pineapple Bourbon Chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hunting for creative pineapple dinner ideas, sweet pineapple chicken alternatives, or something cozy for cooler weather, this dish checks every box.

Whether you’re looking for pineapple dinner ideas or simply something new to do with boneless chicken, this quick and delicious dish will become a go-to in your rotation.

Save

What Is Pineapple Bourbon Chicken?

Pineapple Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful, sticky-sweet dinner recipe featuring juicy chicken cooked in a bold pineapple glaze. Inspired by the classic mall-style bourbon chicken, this pineapple-infused version brings a tropical twist to a beloved dish. The beauty of Pineapple Bourbon Chicken lies in its balance of tang, sweetness, and depth—perfect for both weeknight meals and casual entertaining.

The result? A glossy, flavor-packed dinner that bridges the gap between comfort food and exotic flavor. Best of all, this dish doesn’t require a grill or a smoker—it’s pan-cooked or oven-baked, making it easy and accessible for anyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons this recipe is worth bookmarking, but let’s highlight a few.

First, it’s quick and easy—ideal for busy evenings when you need a no-fuss meal. Second, it hits that perfect balance between sweetness and spice, making it kid-friendly but still exciting for adults. Third, the ingredients are simple and budget-friendly, but the final dish feels special enough to serve guests.

Looking for boneless chicken recipes easy quick to prepare? This one fits the bill with flavor to spare.

Ingredients Overview

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious sweet pineapple chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, chopped
• 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or olive)
• ½ cup pineapple juice (unsweetened)
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger (freshly grated or powdered)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
• Pineapple chunks (optional, for added texture)

This easy-to-source list creates a powerful flavor profile that rivals takeout or restaurant-quality dishes.

How to Make Pineapple Bourbon Chicken

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and uses just one pan for quick cleanup.

1. Sear the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
3. Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornstarch and water together to make a slurry. Add to the skillet and stir constantly until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss until well-coated in the glaze. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to soak in flavor.
5. Serve: Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and optional pineapple chunks. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Looking for baked chicken with pineapple recipes? You can easily transform Pineapple Bourbon Chicken into a baked dish by placing the browned chicken in a casserole dish, pouring the glaze over it, and baking at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes. Whether pan-fried or oven-baked, Pineapple Bourbon Chicken comes out sticky, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

Save

Kitchen Tools Needed

To make this dish smoothly, you’ll need:

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)
• Tongs or wooden spoon for stirring

Pineapple Chicken Sauce Breakdown

The real hero of this dish is the sauce—a bold blend of salty, sweet, and fruity flavors. The pineapple chicken sauce gets its richness from brown sugar and soy sauce, its brightness from pineapple juice and vinegar, and its bite from garlic and ginger.

If you want to enhance it, you can add a splash of orange juice or even use pineapple preserves for a thicker, richer finish. This sweet glaze for chicken is ideal for coating meat, but also works great on tofu or roasted vegetables.

Recipe Tips and Flavor Boosters

Here are some pro tips to elevate your pineapple bourbon chicken:

• Use fresh pineapple juice for a more natural, zesty flavor.
• Add a splash of sriracha for heat or a dash of hoisin for extra depth.
• Stir in pineapple chunks near the end of cooking for texture and color.
• Marinate the chicken in a bit of the sauce (set aside extra for cooking) for 15–30 minutes before cooking.
• Garnish with lime zest or chopped cilantro for brightness.

These flavor boosts take a simple dinner to next-level delicious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to get the most out of this recipe:

• Overcooking the chicken: It dries out and becomes chewy.
• Too much cornstarch: This can make the sauce gluey. Stick to the ratios.
• Skipping the browning step: Searing the chicken first locks in flavor and texture.
• Not stirring the slurry: The cornstarch and water should be combined smoothly to prevent clumps.

Follow the steps closely and your dish will be glossy, tender, and restaurant-worthy.

Variations and Swaps

There are several ways to adapt this dish to your preferences:

• Use chicken breasts or thighs depending on what you have
• Try it with tofu or tempeh for a meat-free option
• Bake in the oven or use a slow cooker for hands-off cooking
• Add bell peppers or snap peas to make it a one-pan meal
• Swap pineapple juice with mango juice or orange juice for a twist

This flexibility makes it one of the best dinner ideas winter simple enough for any weeknight.

Serving Suggestions

Pineapple bourbon chicken is versatile and goes well with:

• White or brown rice
• Jasmine or coconut rice
• Stir-fried noodles or ramen
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb version

Round out the meal with a light side like cucumber salad or a simple fruit salad for a complete dinner.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This dish stores beautifully, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Leftover Pineapple Bourbon Chicken stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store your Pineapple Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove to preserve its sticky glaze and juicy texture.

Save

FAQ – Pineapple Bourbon Chicken

Can I make this with canned pineapple?
Yes! Use the juice for the sauce and add chunks for texture.

Is bourbon required for this recipe?
No bourbon needed! This version is alcohol-free but still delivers deep, savory flavor.

Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes. Grill and then toss it in the finished sauce before serving.

What if I want it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a squirt of hot sauce during cooking.

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. Make the sauce and cook the chicken ahead, then reheat together before serving.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This Pineapple Bourbon Chicken is more than a quick dinner—it’s a weeknight win packed with flavor, color, and satisfying sweetness. Whether served over rice or straight from the pan, this dish is guaranteed to bring smiles to your dinner table. It’s sweet, savory, tangy, and downright irresistible.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with friends, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog at recipesize.com for more sweet-and-savory meal inspiration!

Print