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

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

Rest: Allow the chicken to come to room temperature for even cooking and better browning.
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.
Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken chunks evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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