Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special. Tender chicken pieces are baked in a luscious pineapple glaze that caramelizes beautifully, creating a mouthwatering dish everyone will enjoy.
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 (for browning chicken)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Chopped green onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Step 2: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for about 4 minutes total, until golden but not fully cooked.
- Step 4: In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Step 5: Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish. Pour pineapple chunks with juice over the chicken, then drizzle the glaze on top. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F and the sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Step 8: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or additional pineapple chunks if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh grated ginger for a brighter ginger flavor instead of ground ginger.
- For extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the glaze or on top before serving.
- Try chicken thighs for juicier meat, or breasts for a leaner option.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix a little extra cornstarch with water and stir in during the last few minutes of baking.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat to keep the chicken moist and the sauce flavorful.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, frozen pineapple chunks work well. Just thaw and drain any excess juice before using to avoid diluting the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
PrintBrown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe combines tender chunks of chicken with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze, finished with a caramelized top for a delectable dish perfect for dinner. The combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice creates a flavorful sauce that balances sweetness and savory notes, while a touch of ginger and garlic powder adds depth. Baked to perfection and garnished with green onions, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
Glaze and Sauce
- 1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz), 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
Optional Garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Rest: Prepare all ingredients and allow them to come together before starting the cooking process.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken chunks evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to infuse flavor.
- Brown the Chicken in a Skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown for about 4 minutes total, turning to develop a golden crust without fully cooking through.
- Whisk the Pineapple Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish. Pour the pineapple chunks with juice over the chicken, then drizzle the glaze evenly. Gently stir to coat the chicken and combine the ingredients.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce thickens.
- Caramelize Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5–10 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize on top, creating a delicious sticky finish.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped green onions and additional reserved pineapple chunks if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use either chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference; thighs will yield a juicier texture.
- Do not drain the pineapple juice as it is essential for the glaze and sauce.
- Low sodium soy sauce is preferred to control saltiness, but adjust seasoning as needed.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when whisking the glaze or sprinkle on top before serving.
- Ensure the chicken is not overcooked during browning to keep it tender after baking.
- Resting the dish after baking improves flavor and texture.
Keywords: brown sugar pineapple chicken, pineapple chicken recipe, baked pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, easy chicken dinner
