Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors with a tropical twist. Tender chicken pieces are baked in a luscious pineapple glaze that caramelizes beautifully, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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 depth)
• 0.33 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (balances the sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps thicken the sauce)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning chicken)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds aromatic base)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Chopped green onions (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 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.
3. 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 cooked through.
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 baking dish. Pour pineapple chunks with juice over it and drizzle the glaze. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly.
6. Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (reaches 165°F) and the sauce thickens.
7. Step 7: Remove the foil and bake another 5–10 minutes uncovered to caramelize the glaze.
8. Step 8: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or reserved pineapple chunks if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the glaze mixture for 30 minutes before browning.
• Use fresh grated ginger instead of ground ginger for a brighter ginger flavor.
• Add red pepper flakes to the glaze if you like a bit of heat.
• Serve over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender than breasts in this recipe.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent drying out. The sauce may thicken further when chilled; add a splash of water or broth when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking for even browning and proper cooking through.

Is it necessary to brown the chicken before baking?

Browning adds flavor and texture but you can skip this step for a quicker prep; just bake the chicken longer until fully cooked.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 130 reviews

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

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Description

A delicious and tangy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken pieces baked in a sweet and savory pineapple glaze. This dish combines the rich flavors of brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple chunks, with a hint of ginger and garlic, resulting in a beautifully caramelized and flavorful meal perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 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

Optional Garnish

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

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Instructions

1. Rest: Begin by preparing your ingredients and letting the chicken rest at room temperature for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
3. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken chunks evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to build the base flavor.
4. Brown the Chicken in a Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and brown them for about 4 minutes total, turning occasionally, until golden but not fully cooked through.
5. Whisk the Pineapple Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can (do not drain the pineapple chunks), rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
6. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish. Pour the pineapple chunks with their juice over the chicken and then drizzle the prepared glaze. Gently stir to coat the chicken evenly with the glaze and pineapple.
7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce starts to thicken.
8. Caramelize Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and the flavors to intensify.
9. Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and, if desired, sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat before serving.

Notes

• Use low sodium soy sauce to better control saltiness in the dish.
• Chicken thighs tend to remain juicier, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
• Optional red pepper flakes add a nice spicy kick for those who enjoy heat.
• Make sure to brown the chicken but not cook through to keep it tender after baking.
• Allowing the dish to rest before serving helps the sauce thicken further and enhances flavor.
• This dish pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

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

Keywords: brown sugar pineapple chicken, baked chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, pineapple chicken glaze, easy dinner recipes