Sticky Pineapple Glazed Chicken Thighs

(Sweet, Savory, and Slightly Smoky)

This dish features juicy chicken thighs coated in a thick pineapple-based glaze, caramelized until sticky and glossy. Sweet pineapple balances savory soy sauce and garlic, making it perfect served over steamed rice.

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🍗 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

Chicken

• 700–800 g chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin-on preferred)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Pineapple glaze

• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)

• 3 tbsp pineapple juice

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)

Garnish & serving

• Sliced green onions

• Steamed white rice

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🔪 Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken

• Pat chicken dry with paper towels.

• Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

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2. Sear the chicken

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add chicken skin-side down and sear 4–5 minutes until deeply golden.

• Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes.

• Remove chicken and set aside (it will finish cooking later).

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3. Make the pineapple glaze

• In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Add pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and chili flakes.

• Simmer 3–4 minutes, lightly crushing some pineapple to release flavor.

• Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

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4. Glaze and finish

• Return chicken to the pan.

• Spoon glaze over the chicken and simmer 5–7 minutes, turning to coat evenly.

• Cook until chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is sticky and caramelized.

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5. Serve

• Spoon chicken and glaze over steamed rice.

• Top with pineapple pieces and sliced green onions.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with jasmine rice or coconut rice

• Add steamed broccoli or sautéed greens on the side

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💡 Pro Tips

• Do not overcrowd the pan to get a good sear.

• Use fresh pineapple for brighter flavor.

• For extra char, finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes.

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🌿 Flavor Profile

• Sweet and tangy pineapple

• Savory soy and garlic

• Sticky, caramelized glaze

• Juicy, tender chicken