If you’re looking for an unforgettable, flavor-packed dinner you can pull off almost any night of the week, Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is the answer. Tender chicken gets bathed in a sticky-sweet glaze made with pineapple juice and brown sugar, then gently simmered alongside juicy pineapple chunks until every bite bursts with tropical flavor and a hint of savory depth. This irresistible skillet meal is a family favorite around my table, and with its quick prep, simple steps, and alluring aroma, I’m sure it will soon be a regular at yours too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken lies in its shortlist of everyday ingredients. Each one is essential, working together to create a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors—plus a pop of color that makes dinner feel extra special.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose boneless, skinless cuts for tenderness and even cooking; thighs offer extra juiciness while breasts keep things lean.
- Olive oil: A quick sear in olive oil delivers golden chicken with lightly crisped edges.
- Salt and black pepper: These basics are crucial for seasoning the chicken before the magic of the sauce begins.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar brings rich caramel notes that form the backbone of the sweet glaze.
- Pineapple juice: This is the source of tropical brightness—use juice from the can if you’re using canned pineapple, or fresh if available.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Delivers savory depth and balance, ensuring the dish doesn’t veer too sweet.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic bite that lifts the whole dish.
- Fresh ginger (or ground): Ginger rounds out the sauce, adding warmth and a gentle zing (use fresh if you can for a real pop!).
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes keeps things interesting.
- Pineapple chunks: Juicy, golden bites that soak up the luscious sauce and offer bursts of fresh flavor in every forkful.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds: These optional garnishes add color, crunch, and an extra layer of flavor to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken dry, then generously season both sides with salt and black pepper. This simple step is more important than it seems—it sets up a savory foundation so the sweet-salty sauce later really shines and your chicken caramelizes beautifully as it cooks.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and let it sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes per side. The goal is to create a golden-brown crust for extra flavor and sear in those juices, not fully cook the chicken just yet. When both sides look irresistibly golden, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Glaze
Turn the heat down to medium and, in the same pan, stir together the packed brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and (if you want a hint of heat) the red pepper flakes. Gently scrape up any golden bits from the bottom—those flavorful bits are kitchen gold, adding massive taste to your sauce as it simmers.
Step 4: Simmer with Pineapple
Slide the chicken back into the pan and tuck in the pineapple chunks all around. Spoon some sauce over the chicken, then cover the skillet and let everything simmer together for 12–15 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the sauce just starting to thicken, becoming a glossy, sweet-savory glaze that clings to every bite.
Step 5: Thicken and Finish
For a sauce that’s extra luscious, uncover the pan and let it bubble for an extra 2–3 minutes. The sauce will reduce and intensify, and your kitchen will fill with the mouthwatering scent of Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds, and you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Garnishes
Dress up your platter with a generous shower of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Not only do they add color and visual contrast, but they also bring a fresh crunch and toasty flavor that play off the sweet-savory sauce perfectly. Want to dial up the tropical vibes? Add a few extra pineapple tidbits or even a lime wedge for a bright finish.
Side Dishes
This dish is a sauce lover’s dream, so you’ll want something to soak up every last drop. Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is the classic go-to, but coconut rice makes it special. Stir-fried or steamed vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or bok choy round out the meal, soaking up the glossy sauce while providing just the right touch of freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Try serving Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken over cauliflower rice for a lighter option or shred leftovers and tuck them into lettuce wraps with crunchy carrots and cucumbers. For a party platter, slice the chicken and fan it atop rice, scatter the pineapple and sauce over, then finish with all your favorite garnishes—it’s a guaranteed conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge. Place cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making lunch or tomorrow’s dinner even more delicious!
Freezing
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is freezer-friendly! Let the chicken and sauce cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and to keep that fabulous texture intact.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen the sauce if needed. The microwave works too—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring often, so your chicken stays juicy and the sauce glossy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is great with either boneless, skinless breasts or thighs. Thighs provide extra juiciness and tenderness, while breasts are lean and cook a bit faster. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so your chicken stays moist and flavorful.
Can I make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce for a gluten-free version like tamari or coconut aminos. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this is an easy swap for anyone with dietary needs.
Is it possible to prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Certainly—mix up the sauce ingredients and store them in a jar in the fridge for up to 3 days before cooking. This time-saving trick also allows the flavors to develop, making Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken even tastier on busy nights.
What pan should I use for the best results?
A large, heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal—it allows you to sear the chicken and simmer the sauce all in one pan with plenty of room. If you don’t have a skillet, a wide sauté pan or even a Dutch oven will also work!
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Of course! Adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste, or even add a touch of sriracha or chopped chili if you want a bold kick. The sweet pineapple and brown sugar balance out the heat beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to add some tropical sunshine to your dinner routine, you can’t go wrong with Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken. The blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors is truly irresistible, and it’s such an easy recipe to love. Give it a try and let this dish brighten up your family meals—you might just find a new favorite in your weekly lineup!
Print
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that will please your taste buds. Tender chicken cooked in a sticky, caramelized brown sugar and pineapple sauce, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken back into the pan along with the pineapple chunks. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Finish and garnish: Uncover and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to reduce the sauce further if needed. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
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