Dinner

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

ByGabriel Langdon February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

Introduction

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a deliciously sweet and tangy dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful pineapple glaze. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

The image shows close-up pieces of golden-brown glazed chicken coated in a shiny, sticky dark red sauce with bits of cooked onions. Around the chicken pieces are bright yellow, juicy pineapple chunks adding a fresh color contrast. Small green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top, giving a touch of freshness. The dish has a mix of smooth, glossy, and slightly textured surfaces from the sauce and pineapple. The photo is zoomed in to show the juicy and rich texture clearly, with a white marbled surface faintly visible in the blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 flavor preference)
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 seasoned chicken for about 4 minutes total, until golden but not fully cooked through.
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.
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 to 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 another 5 to 10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Step 8: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or reserved pineapple chunks if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh ginger instead of ground for a brighter, fresher flavor.
Add red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
Swap chicken thighs for breasts for leaner meat, or vice versa for richer flavor.
Serve over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftover Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to preserve the sauce’s texture. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

Close-up of glossy, browned meatballs coated in a thick, shiny dark brown sauce with small bits of onions mixed in, scattered with small green chopped chives on top; bright yellow pineapple chunks add a contrasting color and texture around the meatballs, all contained in a white bowl sitting on a white marbled surface, showing rich, savory saucy details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple chunks work well. Use the juice from the fresh pineapple or supplement with a little pineapple juice or water to maintain the sauce consistency.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.