Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a sweet and tangy dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender chicken pieces are glazed with a flavorful pineapple sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a deliciously sticky coating.

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, 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 pieces for about 4 minutes total, until golden but not fully 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 the mixture is smooth.
5. Step 5: Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish. Pour pineapple chunks with juice over the chicken and drizzle the 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 reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens.
7. Step 7: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
8. 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 chicken thighs for juicier meat, or breasts for a leaner option.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle spicy kick.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir in during the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious glaze.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken further when chilled; add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it 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 can be used, but keep in mind fresh fruit may have less liquid. Add about ½ cup of water or pineapple juice to compensate for the missing juice in the glaze.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 95 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a deliciously sweet and tangy dish featuring tender chicken pieces baked in a flavorful glaze made of brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger. Perfectly caramelized and juicy, this easy-to-make recipe combines fruity pineapple chunks with a savory sauce to create a comforting meal that pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables.

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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 (20 oz) pineapple chunks 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
• Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Garnish (Optional)

• Chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Rest: Prepare all ingredients as listed and ensure chicken is cut into medium chunks for even cooking.
2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly over the chicken pieces for flavorful seasoning.
4. Brown the Chicken in a Skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the seasoned chicken evenly on all sides for about 4 minutes total, until golden but not fully cooked through. This step seals in the juices and adds flavor.
5. Whisk the Pineapple Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, the pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly until the cornstarch dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
6. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the browned chicken pieces to the prepared baking dish. Pour the entire can of pineapple chunks with juice over the chicken. Drizzle the pineapple glaze evenly on top and gently stir to coat all pieces well.
7. Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the sauce begins to thicken.
8. Caramelize Uncovered: Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize, intensifying the flavors and adding a rich texture.
9. Rest and Garnish: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped green onions and additional reserved pineapple chunks if desired before serving.

Notes

• Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
• Brown sugar choice (light or dark) impacts the depth of sweetness and flavor complexity.
• Fresh grated ginger can be used instead of ground ginger for a more vibrant ginger flavor.
• Do not drain the canned pineapple; the juice is essential to the glaze.
• Optional red pepper flakes add a pleasant heat if desired.
• Check chicken for doneness using a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness.
• This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

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

Keywords: Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, baked pineapple chicken, pineapple chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner