Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that’s simple to prepare. This juicy chicken dish features a caramelized brown sugar glaze balanced with tangy pineapple and savory soy sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend treat.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned)
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir well to mix.
5. Step 5: Add the pineapple chunks to the sauce and stir to combine.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it thoroughly with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Step 8: Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for added flavor and color.
10. Step 10: Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and drizzle with extra sauce from the skillet before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh pineapple for a bright, natural sweetness, or canned pineapple chunks when fresh isn’t available.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Serve over steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
• To make it gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce.

Storage

Store leftover Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through to preserve the sauce’s texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it better to use fresh or canned pineapple?

Fresh pineapple adds a vibrant flavor and texture, but canned pineapple is a convenient alternative that still tastes great in this recipe.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 92 reviews

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a sweet and savory dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful sauce made from brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple chunks, garlic, and ginger. This recipe creates a delightful balance of tropical sweetness and tangy umami, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that impresses.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Fusion

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sauce

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned)
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Garnish

• Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat before cooking.
2. Heat the Oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
3. Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove and set aside to maintain juiciness.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir well to blend the ingredients into a cohesive sauce.
5. Add Pineapple: Incorporate the pineapple chunks into the sauce, stirring them evenly throughout to distribute sweetness and texture.
6. Return Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly with the sauce mixture.
7. Simmer: Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
8. Check Doneness: Confirm that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
9. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top of the chicken for a fresh and vibrant flavor boost.
10. Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, spoon extra sauce over the top, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Use fresh pineapple for a brighter flavor, but canned pineapple works well too.
• Adjust the brown sugar quantity if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
• Ensure the skillet is hot before searing to achieve a nice crust on the chicken.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: brown sugar chicken, pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, skillet chicken recipe, easy dinner recipes