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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Rest: Prepare all ingredients as listed and ensure chicken is cut into medium chunks for even cooking.
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.
Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly over the chicken pieces for flavorful seasoning.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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