Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors for an irresistible meal. Tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich pineapple and brown sugar sauce make it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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 and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir well.
5. Step 5: Add the pineapple chunks to the sauce and stir to mix.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them well with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Step 8: Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
10. Step 10: Transfer chicken to a serving dish and drizzle with extra sauce from the skillet.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
• Use fresh pineapple for a brighter flavor or canned pineapple for convenience.
• Serve over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Substitute chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat with more richness.

Storage

Store leftovers 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. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and juicy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple for this recipe?

Yes, frozen pineapple works well. Thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding to the sauce to avoid watering it down.

How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part to ensure the juices run clear and there is no pink meat.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 53 reviews

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce made with brown sugar, fresh pineapple chunks, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. This recipe is easy to prepare and delivers a perfect balance of flavors that makes for an impressive yet simple meal.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce

• 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

Other

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring even coating for flavor enhancement.
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 seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir continuously to blend all the ingredients into a smooth sauce.
5. Add Pineapple: Incorporate the pineapple chunks into the sauce, stirring gently to distribute the fruit evenly without breaking it down completely.
6. Return Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, making sure each piece is well coated with the pineapple sauce.
7. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and allow the chicken to simmer for 20-25 minutes. This allows the meat to cook through and absorb the sauce flavors thoroughly.
8. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring safe consumption.
9. Garnish: Once cooked, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken to add a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
10. Serve: Transfer the chicken breasts to a serving platter and drizzle with extra sauce from the skillet to enhance flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor, but canned pineapple chunks work well as a convenient substitute.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your preferred sweetness level.
• For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes.
• Serve over steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing to achieve a nice golden crust on the chicken.

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