If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, you are going to love this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken. It’s a vibrant, juicy chicken recipe where tender boneless breasts are bathed in a luscious sauce made of brown sugar, fresh pineapple, and a touch of soy sauce, creating an irresistible harmony of caramelized sweetness and tangy zest. This comforting yet fresh dish is easy enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to impress family and friends alike.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple ingredients is the first step to making this show-stopping Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and brightness that make this dish stand out.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose plump, fresh breasts for juicy, tender meat.
1 cup brown sugar, packed: This sweetener caramelizes beautifully and adds depth to the sauce.
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned): Provides a tropical brightness and natural acidity that balances the sweetness.
½ cup soy sauce: Infuses savory umami notes, enhancing the flavor profile.
¼ cup ketchup: Adds a subtle tang and richness to the sauce’s base.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and a hint of spice.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing that complements the pineapple beautifully.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden crust.
Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal pop to finish the dish.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This simple step helps to bring out their natural flavor and prepares them for searing, which locks in moisture.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Next, warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. A hot pan is crucial to achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust on the chicken.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear each side for about 4 to 5 minutes, until a gorgeous golden color forms. This caramelized surface adds delicious texture and flavor. Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir everything thoroughly to meld the ingredients into a tempting, glossy sauce. The caramelizing brown sugar will create a divine sweetness.

Step 5: Add Pineapple

Stir in the fresh pineapple chunks. Their sweet-tart essence will shine through in the sauce, elevating the dish with tropical notes and bursts of juicy flavor.

Step 6: Return Chicken

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce. Turn the chicken to coat each piece evenly, ensuring that every bite will be soaked in the luscious sauce.

Step 7: Simmer

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pan. Let the chicken cook for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors fully while becoming tender and juicy. This slow simmer melds the sauce into the meat beautifully.

Step 8: Check Doneness

Always ensure your chicken is cooked through by checking that its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This confirms the chicken is safe and deliciously ready to serve.

Step 9: Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish enticingly.

Step 10: Serve

Transfer your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken to a serving platter and drizzle some extra sauce from the skillet on top. This final touch ensures each serving is rich, glossy, and utterly mouthwatering.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Garnishes

A quick sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro is the classic finish, adding a fresh, vibrant flavor that cuts through the sweetness. For an extra touch, you could add thinly sliced green onions or even toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or sautéed vegetables such as bok choy or broccoli for a balanced and colorful plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken over a bed of coconut rice for a tropical twist. You can also thread the chicken chunks and pineapple onto skewers for an impressive and fun presentation, ideal for parties or casual dinners. Wrapping it all up with a drizzle of sauce and fresh herbs turns an everyday meal into a feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and delicious option for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This chicken freezes beautifully. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to include some sauce to keep the meat moist when reheated. Frozen Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken can be stored for up to 2 months without loss of flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge or warm refrigerated leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce and revive the lusciousness of the dish. Microwave reheating works too, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned pineapple works well and makes this recipe even easier. Just be sure to drain the pineapple to avoid making the sauce too watery, or let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is fantastic for meal prepping because it keeps its flavor and texture well in the fridge for several days. Just portion it with rice or veggies for easy reheating.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative, offering more juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as they may take a bit longer to cook through thoroughly.

How can I make the sauce less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar slightly or add a splash of vinegar or lime juice to add acidity and balance the sweetness.

Is there a gluten-free version?

Yes, simply swap out the regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, both of which are gluten-free, to keep the delicious umami flavor without gluten concerns.

Final Thoughts

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is one of those magical recipes that tastes far more complicated than it actually is. The joyful combination of sweet brown sugar, tangy pineapple, and savory chicken is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this dish delivers mouthwatering flavor and simple comfort. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts glazed in a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce made from brown sugar, fresh pineapple, soy sauce, and spices. This easy-to-make recipe combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with savory notes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor before cooking.
Heat the Oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, ready to sear the chicken.
Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir the mixture well to blend all the flavors together.
Add Pineapple: Stir in the pineapple chunks, allowing them to meld with the sauce and release sweetness.
Return Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the sauce mixture.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, allowing it to cook through and absorb the sauce flavors.
Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), confirming it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the cooked chicken for a fresh, vibrant finish that complements the sweetness of the dish.
Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle with the extra sauce from the skillet to make the dish irresistibly moist and flavorful.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
You can substitute chicken thighs for more tender, juicy meat.
Fresh pineapple chunks add the best flavor, but canned pineapple works well too—just drain the juice before using.
The sauce can be thickened by simmering uncovered for a few extra minutes if desired.
Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables to complete the meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and Simmering
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 28 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 37 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

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