Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Sweet, sticky, and bursting with tropical flavor, Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is the sort of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds! This vibrant main course brings together tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a crave-worthy caramelized sauce that strikes just the right balance between savory and sweet. It’s a fast favorite for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve guests. Easy to prepare in one skillet and simple to customize, this dish practically guarantees dinnertime excitement every time you make it.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is how its short list of ingredients effortlessly combines for knockout results. Each element has a starring role in building irresistible depth, glossy texture, and mouthwatering color.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken for quick cooking and juicy, tender bites throughout the dish.
• Olive oil: A little oil helps the chicken brown beautifully, locking in flavor and moisture.
• Pineapple chunks (and reserved juice): Pineapple brings juicy sweetness and a hint of tang, while the juice keeps the sauce glossy and vibrant.
• Brown sugar: For that classic caramel note and the luscious glaze that sets this chicken apart.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds depth, savory balance, and just the right amount of salt to round out the flavors.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers fragrant punch and wonderful complexity.
• Fresh or ground ginger: Ginger infuses zesty warmth, giving the dish a distinctly Asian-inspired character.
• Black pepper: Just a touch wakes up all the other flavors and perks up the chicken.
• Cornstarch slurry (optional): Thickens your sauce to a glossy, clingy consistency (great for spooning over rice).
• Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional): These make the perfect fresh finish and add a little color and crunch.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high – you want the pan nice and hot so the chicken develops a gorgeous golden crust. Season your chicken thighs or breasts with black pepper, then place them in the skillet. Sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side; you’re aiming for color and those irresistible pan-seared edges. Once golden, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. These flavorful bits left in the pan will build the base of your sauce.

Step 2: Build the Pineapple Sauce

Keep those glorious flavors going by adding the reserved 1/2 cup pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger directly into the same skillet. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any brown bits stuck to the pan – every bit adds flavor! Let everything come up to a gentle simmer, allowing the sugar to melt and the aromatics to work their magic. This sauce is what gives Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken its signature sticky-sweet glaze.

Step 3: Simmer with Pineapple and Chicken

Tuck the seared chicken back into the skillet and pour the pineapple chunks over the top. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it all simmer together for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the flavors meld, the chicken becomes beautifully tender, and the sauce begins to thicken. If you’re using chicken breasts instead of thighs, check for doneness a few minutes earlier to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If a thicker, glossier sauce is your goal, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a quick slurry. Stir it into the sauce, then cook uncovered for an extra 2 to 3 minutes. Watch as the sauce turns from juicy to luscious, clinging perfectly to every bite of chicken and pineapple. You can skip this step if you like your sauce a bit looser—either way, the flavor shines.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish by showering your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken with a scattering of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. These easy garnishes add color, crunch, and restaurant-worthy flair. Serve hot and get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A handful of bright green onions and a pinch of sesame seeds add fresh flavor and a beautiful pop of color to your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken. For extra zing, try a squeeze of fresh lime or a scatter of chopped cilantro just before serving—it’s a little extra, but oh so worth it.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs blissfully with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed basmati, which soak up all that sweet-savory sauce. Noodles make another fun base—just toss the saucy chicken right on top. Want more texture and color? Steamed broccoli, snap peas, roasted carrots, or a quick cucumber salad will keep things light and vibrant alongside the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving company or just want to switch things up for the family, try plating your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken on a big platter with extra sauce spooned over the top. For a fun twist, serve in pineapple boat halves (hollowed-out pineapple shells), or even stuff leftovers into lettuce wraps for a breezy summer lunch. However you serve it, let those golden pineapple jewels shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken rewards you with even more flavor the next day! Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will continue to infuse the chicken, making each forkful just as juicy and delicious as when freshly made. Don’t forget the extra sauce for drizzling!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully, making it a smart choice for meal prep. Simply portion the cooled chicken and sauce into airtight freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, squeezing out any excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally and covering the dish to keep it moist. Avoid boiling, as chicken can become tough if overheated.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple will deliver extra brightness and juicy texture. Just cut it into bite-size chunks and use fresh juice or supplemented with a little water for the reserved juice. It might even enhance the tropical flavor of the Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken.

What’s the best way to make the sauce thicker?

The cornstarch slurry is your ticket to a perfectly thickened, glossy sauce. Stir it in during the final minutes and cook uncovered, or let the sauce bubble a bit longer to reduce naturally if you prefer not to use starch.

Are chicken breasts or chicken thighs better for this recipe?

Both work beautifully! Thighs are juicier and tend to stay more tender during simmering, while chicken breasts cook a bit faster and result in leaner slices. Just be sure not to overcook breasts—check for doneness a few minutes early.

Can I make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken in advance for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare the recipe the day before, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat just before serving. In fact, the flavors mingle even more overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead entree for gatherings.

What kind of rice goes best with this dish?

Jasmine or basmati rice are both delicious choices, as their subtle aroma and fluffy texture balance the sweet and savory sauce. You can also use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter, nutty complement.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that dazzles at the table and disappears before you know it, Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is the answer! It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to share with everyone you love. Give it a try, and let this sweet, sticky, tangy chicken become a new favorite on your table—trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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