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.
