If you are looking for a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in the most comforting way, Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken will quickly become one of your favorites. This recipe marries tender chicken breasts with a luscious sauce made from brown sugar, tangy pineapple, and a touch of soy sauce that creates a mesmerizing balance of flavors. Every bite brings a perfect harmony of caramelized sweetness and savory depth, making it a true crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it possible to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken are simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one adds its own special touch, from the juicy pineapple chunks that brighten the dish to the rich brown sugar that lends caramel goodness, creating a sauce that’s both tangy and sweet.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide a lean, tender protein base that soaks up the sauce wonderfully.
1 cup brown sugar, packed: The key to the dish’s signature sweetness and caramel color.
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned): Adds a juicy, tropical punch that perfectly contrasts the savory elements.
½ cup soy sauce: Brings a salty, umami depth that balances the brown sugar’s sweetness.
¼ cup ketchup: Introduces a slight tang and richness to the sauce.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic infuses a savory aroma and flavor that wakes up the palate.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a gentle warmth that ties the flavors together.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken properly.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Helps sear the chicken with a nice golden crust.
Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness just before serving.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the chicken’s natural flavor and ensures every bite is well-seasoned. Don’t rush this step because well-seasoned chicken is the foundation of any great dish.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This will create the perfect environment to sear the chicken and develop that gorgeous golden crust everyone loves.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a deep golden brown color that locks in the juices. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t skip this step, as the searing builds flavor and texture.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir everything together well, scraping up the browned bits from the pan to incorporate those flavorful caramelized pieces.

Step 5: Add the Pineapple

Stir in the pineapple chunks, which will release their juice and add a wonderful tropical brightness to the sauce. This combination of sweet pineapple with the tangy and savory sauce is truly irresistible.

Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Pan

Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, making sure each piece is coated generously with the sauce. This step allows the chicken to absorb all of those beautiful flavors.

Step 7: Simmer Until Perfect

Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. This slow cooking ensures the chicken is cooked through and perfectly tender, while the sauce thickens and intensifies.

Step 8: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C). This ensures food safety while keeping the chicken juicy.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and drizzle with the extra sauce from the skillet to serve.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is the classic garnish, providing a bright, herbal contrast that lifts the whole dish. For an extra touch, try adding thinly sliced green onions or even a few toasted sesame seeds to introduce a subtle crunch and additional flavor dimension.

Side Dishes

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice, which soak up the delicious sauce perfectly. You might also consider a fresh green salad or sautéed vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers to add color and freshness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice or even nestled inside lettuce cups for a light, fresh presentation. Garnishing with pineapple wedges or lime slices adds an eye-catching tropical vibe that’s perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor, and always cool the dish completely before refrigerating to preserve freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for longer storage by placing cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or warm in the microwave until heated through. To restore some of the sauce’s original texture, you can add a splash of water or additional soy sauce while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, offering a juicier and slightly richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is canned pineapple okay to use?

Yes, canned pineapple chunks are a convenient alternative and still deliver great flavor. Be sure to drain them well to avoid making the sauce too watery.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Just substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep the rich umami flavor without gluten.

How sweet is this dish? Can I adjust the sugar?

This dish strikes a lovely balance, but if you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the brown sugar slightly. Start by cutting back by a quarter and adjust to your taste preferences.

What can I use instead of ketchup?

If you don’t have ketchup on hand, tomato paste mixed with a bit of vinegar and sugar can be a good substitute to maintain that tangy richness in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a dish that brings joy with every bite, combining familiar ingredients in a way that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe promises to satisfy cravings and bring smiles around the table. Do yourself a favor and give it a try — you’re going to love the way the sweet and savory flavors dance together beautifully!

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delectable and easy-to-make dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy pineapple-infused sauce. The rich blend of brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a perfect balance of flavors, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or special occasions. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this dish brings a tropical twist to your dinner table.

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, ensuring they are well-coated for enhanced flavor.
Heat the Oil: Place a large skillet or frying pan on medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, allowing it to heat sufficiently for searing the chicken.
Sear the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken and set aside to make the sauce.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients into a smooth, flavorful sauce.
Add Pineapple: Mix the pineapple chunks into the sauce, stirring to distribute the fruit evenly and infuse the sauce with its sweetness.
Return Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece to coat them well.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook fully and absorb the sauce.
Check Doneness: Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking that its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer.
Garnish: Once cooked, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken to add a fresh, vibrant touch and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Serve: Transfer the chicken breasts to a serving platter and drizzle with the remaining sauce from the skillet. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious dish.

Notes

Use fresh pineapple for a brighter flavor, but canned pineapple chunks work well as a convenient substitute.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Serve with steamed rice or quinoa to complement the sweet and savory flavors.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: American with Tropical Influence

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approx. 200g)
Calories: 360 kcal
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 29 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

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