Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken

Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken makes any dinner feel exciting and special. Juicy chicken pieces simmer in a glossy sauce made with pineapple juice, a splash of bourbon, brown sugar, garlic, and soy sauce. The flavor is bold yet balanced, with sweetness from the fruit, warmth from the bourbon, and a savory kick that keeps you coming back for more. Every bite feels tender, saucy, and deeply satisfying.

I enjoy making this dish because it blends comfort with a touch of elegance. The chicken cooks until golden, then simmers slowly in the sauce until everything thickens into a sticky glaze that clings to each piece. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent without requiring complicated steps. When served over rice or with roasted vegetables, it transforms into a complete meal that brings both flavor and warmth to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken brings together sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in a way that feels both unique and comforting.

Bold taste: The mix of bourbon and pineapple juice creates a sweet yet complex sauce that stands out.

Sticky glaze: The sauce reduces into a shiny coating that clings beautifully to each piece of chicken.

Easy steps: You don’t need fancy equipment or advanced skills to make it.

Versatile meal: Works perfectly with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies.

Family-approved: The sweetness from pineapple makes it appealing for both kids and adults.

Restaurant-style at home: You get flavors that feel special without leaving your kitchen.

What I like to do is adjust the sweetness depending on the occasion. Sometimes I add a little extra bourbon for a deeper flavor, while other times I increase the pineapple juice when I want a fruitier kick. A small sprinkle of chili flakes also gives it a hint of heat that balances nicely with the sticky glaze.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
  

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup pineapple juice
  
• ½ cup bourbon
  
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
  
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
  
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  

Optional Garnish:

• Pineapple chunks
  
• Sliced green onions
  
• Sesame seeds
  

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown on both sides. This step adds flavor and helps lock in the juices. I always avoid overcrowding the pan to get the perfect sear.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and ginger. The mixture should smell fragrant and slightly sweet. This sauce is the base of the dish and gives it that sweet and sticky finish.

3. Combine and Simmer

Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Lower the heat to medium and let everything simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally so the chicken absorbs all the flavors. As the sauce reduces, it will become glossy and thick, coating every piece beautifully.

4. Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is fully cooked, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a shiny glaze. I like to taste the sauce at this point and adjust the seasoning if needed, sometimes adding a little more soy sauce for saltiness.

5. Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and top the dish with pineapple chunks, green onions, and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over fluffy rice or noodles so that every spoonful soaks up the sauce. The vibrant garnishes make it look just as good as it tastes.

Tips & Variations

• Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced jalapeños for heat.
  
• Use a slow cooker: Sear chicken first, then add everything into the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours.
  
• Change the protein: Shrimp, pork, or even tofu can work with the same sauce.
  
• Alcohol-free option: Replace bourbon with apple juice or extra pineapple juice for a family-friendly version.
  
• Extra tang: A squeeze of lime juice before serving brightens the flavors.
  
• Meal prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for packing lunches.
  

One trick I like is grilling the chicken first before simmering it in the sauce. The smoky char mixes with the sweet bourbon glaze and gives it an extra layer of flavor that feels like something you’d order at a restaurant.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, fried rice, or even coconut rice for extra flavor. Steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or sautéed green beans balance out the sweetness of the sauce. For a casual meal, I like serving it in bowls with rice and veggies all together.

When hosting, I place the chicken in a large serving dish, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and set it at the center of the table. It looks vibrant and feels festive, especially with pineapple chunks added on top. For a tropical twist, I’ve even served it with grilled pineapple slices on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, both work. Thighs stay juicier, but breasts are a leaner option and soak up the sauce well.

Does the bourbon cook out?

Most of the alcohol evaporates during simmering, leaving only the flavor. For a fully alcohol-free version, replace bourbon with juice.

How long do leftovers last?

They keep in the fridge for 3–4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

Can I freeze pineapple bourbon chicken?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove until warmed through.

Can I make it without soy sauce?

Yes, tamari or coconut aminos work well as alternatives if you want a gluten-free or lower-sodium version.

Do I need fresh pineapple juice?

Bottled juice works fine, but fresh pineapple juice adds a brighter, tangier flavor.

Final Thoughts

Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken is one of those recipes that never fails to impress. The balance of fruity sweetness, warm bourbon, and savory soy sauce creates a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. It’s just as fitting for weeknight dinners as it is for gatherings where you want to serve something memorable.

What makes this recipe special is its flexibility. You can adjust the sweetness, swap the protein, or play with the level of spice until it matches your taste. Every time I cook it, I love how it fills the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma and brings a sense of excitement to the meal.