Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Get ready to meet your new weeknight hero, Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken. This dish brings together succulently tender chicken, the vibrant sweetness of pineapple, and a glossy, savory-sweet sauce that just begs to be spooned over every bite. The magic lies in how the brown sugar and pineapple juice create a tropical caramel glaze, while hints of soy sauce and apple cider vinegar add complexity. It’s fast, fun, and bursting with flavors that will transport you straight to a sunny island, all with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Perfect for impressing friends or just making dinner a little special!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken. Each ingredient finds its moment in the spotlight to build layers of savory, sweet, and tangy flavor with comforting, familiar ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of essentials used in the right way.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Go for boneless, skinless cuts—they cook quickly and stay juicy in that sticky sauce.
- Olive oil: A drizzle helps brown the chicken for a flavorful, golden crust.
- Salt & black pepper: Seasoning the chicken well is the secret to tasty every bite.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mellow, savory note without the fuss of peeling fresh garlic.
- Paprika: For color and a whisper of warmth that complements the sweet sauce.
- Pineapple chunks: Fresh or canned works—just make sure they’re drained so the sauce stays glossy, not watery.
- Brown sugar: This is the secret to a wonderful caramel-rich glaze.
- Pineapple juice: Brings moisture, tanginess, and that signature tropical kick.
- Soy sauce: A splash rounds out the sweetness with umami depth.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds gentle acidity to balance the caramel notes and cut richness.
- Cornstarch & water: (Optional) Use this if you love a thick, syrupy sauce to coat every morsel.
- Chopped green onions & sesame seeds: (Optional) For fresh color and crunch—totally worth it!
How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat your chicken dry, then sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. These seasonings build a foundation of flavor that seeps right into the meat. Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, nestle the chicken in and cook, undisturbed, for about 5–6 minutes per side. You want that lovely golden brown exterior! When the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate so you can build your sauce magic.
Step 2: Caramelize the Pineapple
In the same skillet, toss in your pineapple chunks. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until you see those edges start to caramelize and turn golden. This step intensifies their sweetness and boosts the dish’s mouthwatering appeal. If you hear a little sizzling, you’re on the right track.
Step 3: Build That Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Sauce
Add the brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar straight into the skillet with the pineapple. Stir everything together and bring it all to a gentle simmer. You’ll notice the brown sugar dissolving into the juices, creating a glossy, fragrant sauce. Let this bubble away for 3–4 minutes, so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken with a clingy, sticky coating, now’s the moment: stir together the cornstarch and water, then swirl this slurry into the simmering sauce. Give it 1–2 minutes, watching as the sauce thickens and turns deeply glossy.
Step 5: Simmer Everything Together
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some of that fragrant, golden glaze over the top, and let everything gently simmer for another 2–3 minutes. The chicken soaks up the flavors, becoming impossibly tender. Before serving, don’t forget to scoop up those caramelized pineapple pieces!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Garnishes
To bring the whole dish together, sprinkle with fresh green onions and a handful of sesame seeds. These final touches add a flash of color and a bit of crunch, lifting every bite and making Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken as pretty as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This chicken is a dream over fluffy steamed rice, which happily soaks up the gorgeous sticky sauce. For a lighter option, cauliflower rice offers a gentle crunch, or you can round things out with your favorite stir-fried vegetables for even more texture and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping twist, try serving Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken in hollowed-out pineapple halves—instant tropical vibes! If you’re meal-prepping or bringing lunch to work, slice the chicken atop a hearty grain bowl stacked with rice, edamame, and cucumber. For a kids’ dinner or party, use small skewers to turn this into sweet-salty chicken pineapple bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken cool completely, then tuck it into an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, perfect for stress-free lunches or a second round of speedy dinners.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken! Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works just fine—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring halfway to distribute heat and keep things juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work beautifully in Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken. Just watch the cooking time, as they can dry out faster than thighs—sear until just cooked through for best results.
What if I don’t have fresh pineapple?
No worries—canned pineapple chunks are perfect for this recipe! Drain them well to avoid watering down your sauce. The flavor will still be bright, sweet, and tropical.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Simply swap in tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Everything else in this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’ll be all set!
Do I have to use the cornstarch slurry?
Not at all! The sauce will be slightly thinner without it but still delicious and plenty flavorful. The cornstarch just creates that ultra-glossy, clingy finish.
Can I try this with another protein?
Yes! This sweet-savory sauce is dreamy with pork chops, shrimp, or even cubes of tofu. Adjust cooking times as needed, but don’t change a thing about the sauce—it’s just that good.
Final Thoughts
Give Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken a spot on your table this week—you won’t regret it! With its bright flavors and irresistible sticky-sweet glaze, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy every tropical, saucy bite!
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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe combines the sweetness of brown sugar and pineapple with savory chicken for a delicious Asian-inspired dish. Tender chicken cooked in a flavorful sauce, this dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add the chicken, and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, caramelize pineapple chunks, then add brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 3–4 minutes. For a thicker sauce, add cornstarch slurry and simmer.
- Combine and simmer: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and let simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Serve with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or stir-fried vegetables.
- This recipe also pairs well with pork chops or tofu.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken piece with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
