Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful pineapple glaze. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special. The caramelized sauce adds a glossy finish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks with juice (do not drain)
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tbsp fresh grated)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Chopped green onions (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken chunks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally to color evenly.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ginger, and cornstarch until smooth.
5. Step 5: Place the browned chicken and pineapple chunks into the prepared baking dish. Pour the glaze over and stir gently to combine. Cover with foil.
6. Step 6: Bake covered for 25–30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
7. Step 7: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve over rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture or sprinkle on top before serving.
• Using fresh pineapple chunks can add a brighter flavor but adjust the juice amount accordingly in the glaze.
• Substitute chicken thighs for more juicy, flavorful meat, or use chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water before adding to ensure no lumps.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple for this recipe?

Yes, frozen pineapple works well but make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before using to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 65 reviews

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a deliciously sweet and tangy dish featuring tender chicken chunks glazed in a caramelized pineapple sauce. Perfectly browned chicken is baked with a flavorful brown sugar and pineapple glaze, creating a glossy, sticky coating that pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles. A quick and easy recipe that brings tropical flair to your dinner table.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Glaze

• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks with juice (do not drain)
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tbsp fresh grated)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Garnish

• Chopped green onions (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prep: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking the chicken and glaze.
2. Season the chicken: Toss the chunks of chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to evenly season each piece for enhanced flavor.
3. Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned but not fully cooked through.
4. Make the glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice (from the can), rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined. Optionally add red pepper flakes for some heat.
5. Assemble and bake: Transfer the browned chicken and pineapple chunks to the prepared baking dish. Pour the glaze over the chicken and stir gently to coat everything evenly. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.
6. Caramelize: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens into a glossy, caramelized glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
7. Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• Make sure not to drain the pineapple juice as it is essential for the glaze.
• Use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs will be juicier.
• For extra heat, add red pepper flakes to taste in the glaze mixture.
• Garnish with green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
• Serve with steamed rice or your favorite noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Keywords: Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, baked chicken recipe, pineapple glaze chicken, easy chicken dinner