Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken (Easy Dinner)
Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken
This sticky pineapple bourbon chicken has a sweet, tangy, slightly boozy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on juicy chicken thighs. The combination of pineapple juice, bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a sauce that’s part teriyaki, part Hawaiian, and entirely addictive. 30 minutes in one skillet — serve over rice and watch it disappear.
Why This Works
- Sweet + tangy + boozy — pineapple + bourbon is an incredible combo
- Sticky caramelized glaze coats every piece
- 30 minutes in one pan
- Bourbon flavor without being overpowering — the alcohol cooks off
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup bourbon (or whiskey)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper
- Sesame seeds, green onions to serve
How to Make It
Step 1 — Season chicken. Sear in olive oil 5 minutes per side until golden. Remove.
Step 2 — In the same pan, add garlic (30 sec). Pour in pineapple juice, bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar. Bring to a simmer. Cook 3 minutes.
Step 3 — Add cornstarch slurry. Stir until thickened (1 min). Return chicken. Simmer in the sauce 5 minutes, spooning glaze over continuously.
Step 4 — Serve over rice. Top with sesame seeds and green onions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without bourbon?
Yes — use apple juice or more pineapple juice. The bourbon adds depth but the dish works without it.
Does the alcohol cook off?
Most of it — simmering for 5+ minutes evaporates the majority of the alcohol. The bourbon flavor remains without the booze effect.
Can I use pineapple chunks too?
Yes — add ½ cup pineapple chunks in Step 3 with the chicken. They caramelize beautifully in the glaze.
Can I use chicken breast?
Yes — pound to even thickness. Reduce searing time to 4 minutes per side.
What kind of bourbon?
Any mid-range bourbon — Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, or Jim Beam. Don’t use top-shelf for cooking. Whiskey works as a substitute.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes — combine all sauce ingredients in the slow cooker. Add chicken. Cook LOW 4 hours. Thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry at the end.
What rice goes best?
Jasmine rice is ideal. Coconut rice makes it tropical. Brown rice for a healthier option.
Is this kid-friendly?
The alcohol cooks off and the sweetness from pineapple and brown sugar makes this very kid-friendly. Reduce soy sauce by 1 tbsp if sodium is a concern.
You Might Also Like
- Easy Chicken Stir Fry (30-Minute Dinner)
- Chicken Meatballs in Marinara Sauce (Baked)
- One Pan Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Skillet
Indulge in Sweet Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Tonight!
Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of pineapple bourbon chicken, a delicious dish that combines succulent chicken thighs with a sticky glaze made from pineapple juice, bourbon, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner, this recipe is a culinary adventure waiting to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to make the marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken thighs. Cook until browned on both sides and cooked through.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the skillet with the chicken and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish the pineapple bourbon chicken with sliced green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
- Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this delicious dish with your loved ones!
