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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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