Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken gives you a sweet, tangy, and savory meal in one pan. The sauce coats the chicken and keeps it moist. You can serve it with rice, salad, or veggies. It also fits well with other festive dishes, so you can pair it with holiday recipes for a bigger meal.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
This dish mixes sweet pineapple and brown sugar with savory soy sauce. It cooks fast and gives a nice glaze on the chicken. It works for a weeknight meal or a small party. If you like quick meals that taste like a treat, this is a good choice.
How to make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
The sauce is both sweet and savory. It melts the brown sugar and cooks with soy sauce and pineapple for a glossy finish. Stir the sauce as it cooks so it does not burn. The mix of garlic and ginger gives a warm bite to the dish. For more ideas on flavor balance, see pages about sweet and savory dishes.
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)
Directions :
Creating Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken can be straightforward if you follow these easy steps:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear for about 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir well to combine.
- Add pineapple: Incorporate the pineapple chunks into the sauce and stir.
- Return chicken: Place the chicken back into the skillet, coating it well with the sauce.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Check doneness: Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Garnish: Once cooked, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle with extra sauce from the skillet.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
A sweet and savory chicken dish with a luscious glaze made from brown sugar and pineapple, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a festive gathering.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
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
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear for about 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir well to combine.
- Incorporate the pineapple chunks into the sauce and stir.
- Place the chicken back into the skillet, coating it well with the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle with extra sauce from the skillet.
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh pineapple and don’t burn the brown sugar. Adjust salt or sugar in the sauce before adding the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Poultry
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
How to serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Serve this chicken with steamed white or brown rice to catch the sauce. Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for color and crunch. You can also serve it over quinoa or noodles. For a light meal, serve with a fresh green salad and lime wedges.
How to store Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Let the chicken cool to room temperature but do not leave it out more than two hours. Put it in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Tips to make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
- Use fresh pineapple if you can. It gives a brighter flavor.
- Do not burn the brown sugar. Stir the sauce well and keep heat moderate.
- Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness so they cook evenly.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
- Taste the sauce before you add the chicken back and adjust salt or sugar if needed.
Variations
- Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
- Use boneless thighs instead of breasts for more juice and flavor.
- Add sliced bell peppers or onions to the skillet for more texture.
- Swap ketchup for a little pineapple juice plus tomato paste for a different tang.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned pineapple?
A: Yes. Drain the canned pineapple if it is in heavy syrup. Use pineapple in juice for better flavor.
Q: Can I make this in the oven?
A: Yes. Sear the chicken on the stove, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes with the sauce until cooked through.
Q: Is this safe to eat the next day?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge within two hours and eat within 3–4 days. Reheat to at least 165°F (75°C).
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: You can use less brown sugar or a sugar substitute, but the sauce will be less sweet and a bit less sticky.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is quick to make and full of flavor. It gives a good mix of sweet and savory in a simple pan. Follow the steps and tips to get juicy chicken and a nice glaze. Serve with rice or vegetables for a full, tasty meal.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
