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.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned)
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
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
