Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a sweet and tangy dish that brings tropical flavors to your dinner table. With tender chicken pieces glazed in a caramelized pineapple sauce, this recipe is both comforting and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a family meal or a weeknight treat.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into medium chunks
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks with juice (do not drain)
- 0.5 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 0.33 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Chopped green onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Step 2: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for about 4 minutes total, until golden but not cooked through.
- Step 4: In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ginger, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Step 5: Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish. Pour the pineapple chunks with juice over the chicken and drizzle the glaze on top. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Step 8: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped green onions or extra pineapple chunks if desired. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the glaze or over the finished dish.
- Use fresh pineapple chunks if you prefer, adjusting the liquid by adding pineapple juice or a splash of water.
- Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but retains good flavor after refrigeration.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and the right texture. If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely before preparing the dish.
What can I serve with Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or simple stir-fried vegetables. A side of sautéed greens or a crisp salad also complements the sweet and tangy flavors nicely.
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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a sweet, tangy, and ultra-comforting dinner featuring tender chicken pieces baked in a luscious pineapple glaze with hints of ginger and soy sauce. This easy-to-make dish combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple chunks with the rich depth of brown sugar and savory notes from soy sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, it is oven-baked to achieve a caramelized finish that enhances the sauce’s complexity.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into medium chunks)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning chicken)
Glaze and Sauce
- 1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz can, with juice, do not drain)
- 0.5 cup brown sugar (light or dark depending on flavor depth)
- 0.33 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Optional Garnishes
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Rest: Allow the chicken pieces to rest at room temperature for a few minutes before cooking.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken chunks dry and season evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to build flavor.
- Brown the Chicken in a Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the seasoned chicken pieces, cooking about 4 minutes total, until golden but not fully cooked through. This step adds depth to the flavor and texture.
- Whisk the Pineapple 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. This mixture will form a sweet, tangy, and thickening glaze for the chicken.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the browned chicken pieces to the greased baking dish. Pour the pineapple chunks along with their juice over the chicken, then drizzle the prepared glaze on top. Stir gently to ensure all pieces are coated evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened.
- Caramelize Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes uncovered to caramelize the glaze, developing a rich, sticky coating on the chicken.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped green onions and optional reserved pineapple chunks before serving.
Notes
- Using low sodium soy sauce helps control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- Fresh grated ginger can be used instead of ground ginger for a brighter, fresher flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the glaze or sprinkle over the finished chicken.
- Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken during browning, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American with Asian influence
Keywords: brown sugar pineapple chicken, baked chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, pineapple chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner
