Dinner

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

ByLily Monroe February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

Introduction

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that come together in a sticky, caramelized glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines tender chicken with juicy pineapple for a tropical twist.

A close-up view of a dish in a white bowl filled with glossy brown meatballs covered in a thick sticky sauce. Bright yellow chunks of pineapple are mixed in among the meatballs. Green thin sliced herbs are scattered on top, adding a fresh contrast to the rich brown and yellow colors. The textures show the smooth shiny sauce coating the round meatballs and the juicy pieces of pineapple alongside. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks with juice (do not drain)
½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tbsp fresh grated)
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Chopped green onions (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, tossing to coat evenly.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken chunks for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly golden.
Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ginger, and cornstarch until smooth and combined.
Step 5: Place the browned chicken and pineapple chunks into the greased baking dish. Pour the glaze over everything and stir gently to combine.
Step 6: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Step 7: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 8: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve over rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes to the glaze or sprinkle on top before serving.
Use fresh grated ginger instead of ground for a brighter flavor.
Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat.
Add bell peppers or snap peas to the baking dish for added vegetables and color.
If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a good substitute.

Storage

Store leftover Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The sauce may thicken after refrigeration, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it up.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with glossy, dark brown glazed chicken wings that are richly coated in a sticky sauce. The wings show some charred and caramelized spots, adding texture and depth. Scattered throughout the wings are small, bright yellow pineapple chunks with pine green herbs sprinkled lightly on top, offering contrast in color and freshness. The photo is close-up, capturing the shiny, juicy details of the chicken and pineapple pieces clearly. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and glaze ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Combine and bake when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

What can I serve this dish with?

This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.