brown sugar pineapple chicken recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best brown sugar pineapple chicken recipe

I love making brown sugar pineapple chicken for my family because it’s a crowd-pleaser, and everyone looks forward to it. The combination of the sweet and sticky brown sugar sauce with the tangy pineapple and savory chicken is a winning combination.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday or birthday party. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires minimal prep time, making it a great option for busy families.

My kids devour this dish, and I love watching them enjoy the process of eating something so deliciously sweet and savory. As for me, I appreciate how versatile this recipe is – it’s just as good for a quick weeknight dinner as it is for a fancy dinner party.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s also relatively healthy, thanks to the use of fresh pineapple and lean chicken breast. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of vitamin C from the pineapple while still enjoying a rich and flavorful meal.

I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, and it never fails to impress my family and guests alike. Whether you’re looking for a new dinner idea or just want to mix things up from your usual routine, this brown sugar pineapple chicken recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

4.8 from 1790 votes

Juicy chicken thighs are pan-seared and then simmered in a sweet and tangy brown sugar pineapple sauce. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish

1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
2 green onions, sliced

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
3Place the chicken thighs in the skillet in a single layer and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
5In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
6Whisk to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7Stir the cornstarch slurry again and pour it into the simmering sauce while whisking constantly.
8Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
9Return the chicken thighs to the skillet along with any accumulated juices.
10Spoon the sauce over the chicken and add the pineapple chunks.
11Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the flavors meld.
12Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
13Serve immediately over steamed rice or with your choice of vegetables.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or frying pan
Measuring cups and spoons
Small bowl
Whisk
Tongs
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a minute longer after adding the cornstarch slurry. You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but reduce the cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes per side to avoid drying them out.

Watch Video Of How Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Works

To store any leftover brown sugar pineapple chicken place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to reheat just warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a little water or pineapple juice to bring back the sauce.

You can also use the microwave but be careful not to overcook the chicken. For serving ideas this dish is wonderful over steamed rice or quinoa.

You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. It is always a good idea for family gatherings because it is easy to make in large batches and the sweet savory flavor appeals to both kids and adults.

I have brought it to potlucks and cookouts and it is always a hit.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe, whichever you prefer.

Q: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

A: While canned pineapple will work in a pinch, I highly recommend using fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture.

Q: How do I store leftover brown sugar pineapple chicken?

A: You can store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, simply substitute gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for the regular soy sauce called for in the recipe.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for kids?

A: Absolutely – my kids love helping me prepare this dish and devouring the finished product!

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