Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Pineapple Chicken recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze that’s both flavorful and comforting. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and bakes in the oven to juicy perfection.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into medium chunks
- 1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz can, with juice, do not drain)
- 0.5 cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on desired flavor depth)
- 0.33 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Step 2: Season the chicken chunks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the seasoned chicken pieces for about 4 minutes total, until golden but not fully cooked through.
- Step 4: In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch until smooth to create the pineapple glaze.
- Step 5: Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish. Pour the pineapple chunks with their juice over the chicken, then drizzle the glaze evenly. Stir gently to coat everything well.
- Step 6: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to let the glaze caramelize slightly.
- Step 8: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or reserved pineapple chunks if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh ginger instead of ground for a brighter ginger flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken. The sauce may thicken upon chilling; add a splash of water or broth when reheating if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple chunks work well. Be sure to reserve some juice or add a bit of water to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
PrintBrown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
A delicious and easy Pineapple Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken chunks baked in a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze with a caramelized finish. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner with a tropical twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American with Asian-inspired flavors
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into medium chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for browning
Glaze & Sauce
- 1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz can) including juice (do not drain)
- 0.5 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 0.33 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Optional Garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Rest: Allow all ingredients and chicken to come to room temperature before starting the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken chunks evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to build flavor.
- Brown the Chicken in a Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them for about 4 minutes total, turning occasionally, until they are golden on the outside but not fully cooked through.
- Whisk the Pineapple Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish. Pour the pineapple chunks along with their juice over the chicken. Drizzle the pineapple glaze evenly on top. Gently stir to coat the chicken pieces with the sauce and pineapple.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce begins to thicken.
- Caramelize Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5–10 minutes uncovered to caramelize and thicken the glaze, giving it a sticky, flavorful finish.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped green onions and, if desired, additional reserved pineapple chunks or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat before serving.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes in the glaze mixture or as a garnish.
- Both chicken breasts and thighs work well; thighs offer juicier results.
- Make sure not to overcook when browning chicken—it should only be browned, not cooked through.
- If using fresh ginger, finely grate it to get maximum flavor.
- To keep calories lower, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly.
Keywords: pineapple chicken, baked chicken recipe, sweet and tangy chicken, easy chicken dinner, pineapple glaze chicken
