Introduction

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that balances tender chicken with a tangy pineapple glaze. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.

The close-up image shows several golden-brown, shiny glazed chicken pieces covered in a thick, sticky dark reddish-brown sauce with visible small bits of onion. The chicken pieces appear crispy underneath the glaze, giving a textured look. Small pieces of bright yellow pineapple and finely chopped green onions are scattered on and around the chicken, adding pops of color. The background is softly blurred, making the food the clear focus, set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into medium chunks
1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz), with 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
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped green onions (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Step 2: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken 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.
Step 5: Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish. Pour pineapple chunks with juice over the chicken, then drizzle the glaze on top. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F and the sauce thickens.
Step 7: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Step 8: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or additional pineapple chunks if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh pineapple chunks for a brighter flavor and a bit more texture.
Substitute chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle spicy kick.
Serve over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop to preserve moisture and flavor.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with three main layers: the bottom layer is a thick, dark glossy sauce; the middle layer consists of golden fried chicken pieces coated in the shiny sauce; the top layer has bright yellow pineapple chunks and chopped green onions sprinkled all over the chicken, with small white sesame seeds scattered on top. The chicken pieces look juicy with a smooth, sticky texture, and the pineapple chunks add a fresh contrast in color and texture. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even browning and thorough cooking.

What can I substitute for rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a close substitute, but use slightly less as these can be stronger.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 57 reviews

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken pieces cooked in a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze. Combining the flavors of brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes. The chicken is first browned on the stovetop, then baked to ensure it is fully cooked and the sauce thickens into a deliciously caramelized glaze. Easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, it can be garnished with fresh green onions for an added burst of flavor.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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)

Sauce and Glaze

1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz can, with 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 the chicken pieces to rest briefly after cutting, ensuring even seasoning absorption.
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 for a flavorful base.
Brown the Chicken in a Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the seasoned chicken pieces for about 4 minutes, turning to achieve a golden crust without cooking through.
Whisk the Pineapple Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and lump-free to create the glaze.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish. Pour the pineapple chunks with their juice over the chicken and drizzle the pineapple glaze on top. Gently stir to coat all pieces evenly.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through to 165°F and the sauce to thicken.
Caramelize Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes. This step caramelizes the glaze, giving it a rich, sticky texture.
Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle. Garnish with chopped green onions and, if desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes for a touch of heat before serving.

Notes

Using low sodium soy sauce helps control the sodium content and balances flavors.
Do not drain the pineapple juice; it is essential for the glaze and moisture.
If fresh ginger is available, it adds a brighter flavor compared to ground ginger.
To make this dish spicier, add red pepper flakes either when seasoning the chicken or as a garnish.
Bone-in chicken can be used, but adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure doneness.
Serving suggestion: pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Keywords: Brown sugar pineapple chicken, baked pineapple chicken, sweet chicken recipe, pineapple glaze chicken, easy chicken dinner