Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a sweet, savory, and satisfying experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Key Ingredients for Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions
How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe is remarkably easy to prepare, delivering a burst of tropical sweetness and savory depth with every bite. The tender chicken coated in a luscious, caramelized sauce makes it a truly satisfying meal. With a preparation time of around 30 minutes, it’s an ideal option for busy evenings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you are using chicken breasts, ensure they are not too thick, or consider slicing them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Sauce Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the undrained crushed pineapple, packed brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic. Ensure the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly browned. It’s okay if the chicken is not cooked through at this stage; it will finish cooking in the sauce. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of searing.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the prepared pineapple sauce mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth, creating a cornstarch slurry. Pour this slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken hot, spooning generous amounts of the flavorful sauce over the chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, toasted sesame seeds, or sliced green onions for added color and flavor. This dish is fantastic served over steamed rice, quinoa, or with a side of roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
You’ll fall head over heels for this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken because of its irresistible sweet and savory glazed chicken, which is unbelievably tender and juicy. The bright, tropical notes from the pineapple perfectly complement the rich brown sugar glaze, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting, reminiscent of delicious Hawaiian-inspired dishes but with a fraction of the effort and cost. It’s a fantastic way to bring a taste of paradise to your dinner table without breaking the bank, and the addition of fresh ginger and garlic adds a sophisticated layer of aroma and taste that elevates it beyond your average weeknight meal.
Imagine serving a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant, yet was made with simple pantry staples in under an hour – that’s the magic of this recipe. The vibrant flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a guaranteed hit with the whole family, and its affordability compared to takeout means you can enjoy it more often. Don’t just take our word for it; gather your ingredients and taste the delicious difference for yourself – we promise you won’t be disappointed!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Allow the Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth while reheating.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Ensure it has cooled completely. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe soon for an easy, delicious, and universally loved meal.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you are using chicken breasts, ensure they are not too thick, or consider slicing them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces, salt and freshly ground black pepper
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the undrained crushed pineapple, packed brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic. Ensure the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 2 cloves garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly browned. It’s okay if the chicken is not cooked through at this stage; it will finish cooking in the sauce. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of searing.1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil, 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Pour the prepared pineapple sauce mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 2 cloves garlic
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth, creating a cornstarch slurry. Pour this slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken hot, spooning generous amounts of the flavorful sauce over the chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, toasted sesame seeds, or sliced green onions for added color and flavor. This dish is fantastic served over steamed rice, quinoa, or with a side of roasted vegetables.chopped fresh parsley, toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions