Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that makes for a perfect weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a rich sauce featuring brown sugar, pineapple, and soy sauce, creating a delicious tropical taste that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned)
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, stir together the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger until well combined.
5. Step 5: Add the pineapple chunks to the sauce and stir to incorporate.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it thoroughly with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Step 8: Check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (75°C) to ensure doneness.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken for extra flavor.
10. Step 10: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle with additional sauce from the skillet before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking.
• Use fresh pineapple for a brighter, juicier flavor, but canned works well in a pinch.
• Serve over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option with a richer taste.

Storage

Store any leftover Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid overheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple juice instead of chunks?

While fresh or canned pineapple chunks provide texture and flavor, you can add some canned pineapple juice to the sauce for a fruity boost, but it won’t provide the same bite as the chunks.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 107 reviews

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish combining tender, juicy chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy pineapple-infused brown sugar sauce. Perfect for a quick yet flavorful weeknight meal, this recipe delivers a harmonious balance of savory and sweet flavors, garnished with fresh cilantro for a refreshing finish.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sauce

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned)
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Garnish

• Chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
2. Heat the Oil: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
3. Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden brown crust. Then remove the chicken from the pan and set aside temporarily.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir continuously to blend the ingredients evenly, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
5. Add Pineapple: Mix the fresh or canned pineapple chunks into the sauce, stirring gently to distribute the fruit without breaking it down.
6. Return Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly with the sweet and tangy sauce.
7. Simmer: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
8. Check Doneness: Using a food thermometer, ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
9. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the chicken to add a burst of herbal freshness and color.
10. Serve: Transfer the chicken breasts onto a serving platter and drizzle them with the remaining sauce from the skillet for extra flavor and moisture.

Notes

• Use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor, but canned pineapple works perfectly well as a convenient alternative.
• For spicier variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce when cooking.
• Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables to complete the meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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