Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with tender chicken pieces glazed in a rich pineapple sauce. This easy-to-make dish brings a tropical twist to your dinner table, ideal for both weeknights and special occasions.

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)
• 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)
• Chopped green onions (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden but not fully cooked.
4. Step 4: In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch until smooth.
5. Step 5: Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish. Pour pineapple chunks with juice over the chicken, then drizzle the pineapple glaze on top. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the sauce thickens.
7. Step 7: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes to caramelize the glaze slightly.
8. Step 8: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or extra pineapple chunks if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use thighs for juicier chicken or breasts for a leaner option.
• Add fresh grated ginger for a more pronounced ginger flavor.
• For a spicy kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes while cooking or as a garnish.
• Serve over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; add a splash of water when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple chunks can be used. Keep some juice or add a little water to help create the glaze and maintain moisture.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

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

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 368 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish featuring tender chicken pieces baked in a rich pineapple glaze. The combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple chunks creates a perfect balance of flavors, enhanced by a hint of ginger and garlic. Ideal for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe finishes with a caramelized glaze and optional green onion garnish for added freshness.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into medium chunks
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Pineapple Glaze

• 1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz can, 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

Optional Garnish

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Chopped green onions

---

Instructions

1. Rest: Allow the chicken to come to room temperature for even cooking and better browning.
2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken chunks evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
4. Brown the Chicken in a Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and brown on all sides for about 4 minutes total, ensuring the chicken is golden but not fully cooked through.
5. Whisk the Pineapple Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk well until the mixture is smooth and cornstarch is fully incorporated.
6. Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the browned chicken in the greased baking dish. Pour the pineapple chunks along with their juice over the chicken. Drizzle the pineapple glaze mixture evenly on top and gently stir to coat the chicken well.
7. Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce begins to thicken.
8. Caramelize Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue to bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and thicken further.
9. Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped green onions and, if desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Serve warm.

Notes

• For a healthier option, use chicken breast instead of thighs.
• Adjust brown sugar depending on your preferred sweetness level; dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor.
• If you want a thicker sauce, mix an extra 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir in before the final caramelizing step.
• Serve this dish over steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Can be made ahead; refrigerate and reheat gently, adding a splash of water if sauce thickens too much.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, Pineapple Chicken Recipe, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Baked Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipe