Brown 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
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
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
