Print

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 70 reviews

A delightful Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze with brown sugar, soy sauce, and ginger. Perfectly caramelized in the oven, this dish combines savory and fruity flavors for a comforting and easy dinner served best over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Glaze and Sauce

  • 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

Optional Garnishes

  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Chopped green onions (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Season the Chicken: Toss the chicken chunks in salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated, enhancing the flavor base of the dish.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally to get a nice golden crust on all sides without fully cooking through.
  4. Make the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can (do not drain the pineapple), rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Place the browned chicken and pineapple chunks into the prepared baking dish. Pour the glaze evenly over top and gently stir to coat everything. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.
  6. Caramelize the Sauce: Remove the foil carefully and bake the dish uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and creates a glossy, caramelized finish on the chicken and pineapple.
  7. Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with chopped green onions and, if desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when making the glaze or as a garnish.
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or chicken breasts if you prefer leaner protein.
  • Do not drain the pineapple juice as it is essential for the glaze consistency and flavor.
  • Adjust brown sugar amounts to taste if you prefer a less sweet glaze.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, Pineapple Chicken Recipe, Sweet and Tangy Chicken, Oven Baked Chicken, Pineapple Glaze Chicken

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/brown-sugar-pineapple-chicken-recipe/