why make this recipe
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish that balances sweet and savory flavors. It’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a rich brown sugar glaze creates a delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish that makes cleanup simple.
how to make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (Cut into medium chunks)
- 1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz can, with juice (do not drain))
- 0.5 cup brown sugar (Light or dark, depending on how deep you want the flavor)
- 0.33 cup soy sauce (Low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (Balances the sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (Or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (Helps thicken the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (For browning chicken)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Adds aromatic base)
- Salt and pepper (To taste)
- Red pepper flakes (Optional – If you like it with a touch of heat)
- Chopped green onions (Optional garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Brown the Chicken in a Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the seasoned chicken for about 4 minutes total, until golden but not cooked through.
- Whisk the Pineapple Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, the pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish. Pour pineapple chunks with juice over it and drizzle the glaze. Stir gently to coat.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (165°F) and sauce thickens.
- Caramelize Uncovered: Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Rest and Garnish: Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions or reserved pineapple chunks.
how to serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken hot, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables to soak up the delicious glaze. You can also serve it with a side salad for a refreshing contrast.
how to store Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
tips to make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
- If you like more heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- You can use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a more vibrant taste.
variation
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the dish for added nutrition and color. You can also serve it over quinoa or noodles for a different texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
2. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish keeps well in the fridge and can be easily reheated, making it great for meal prep.
3. Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, you can add more or less brown sugar depending on how sweet you want the dish. You can also balance it with extra soy sauce for a saltier flavor.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into medium chunks
- 1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz can, with juice, do not drain)
- 0.5 cup brown sugar (light or dark) Depending on how deep you want the flavor
- 0.33 cup soy sauce Low sodium preferred
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar Balances the sweetness
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger Or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch Helps thicken the sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For browning chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds aromatic base
- salt and pepper To taste
- red pepper flakes Optional – for a touch of heat
- chopped green onions Optional garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the seasoned chicken for about 4 minutes total, until golden but not cooked through.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, the pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish. Pour pineapple chunks with juice over it and drizzle the glaze. Stir gently to coat.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (165°F) and sauce thickens.
- Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Finishing
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions or reserved pineapple chunks.
