Introduction

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces are glazed with a luscious pineapple sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. This easy recipe brings a tropical twist to your table with minimal effort.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

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 depending on desired depth of flavor)
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 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 chunks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces for about 4 minutes, turning to get a golden color on all sides but not cooking through.
Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, the pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish. Pour the pineapple chunks along with their juice over the chicken, then drizzle the pineapple glaze on top. Stir gently to coat evenly.
Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens.
Step 7: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes to caramelize the glaze and deepen the flavor.
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 ginger for a brighter, more aromatic taste.
Add red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
Serve over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier than breasts, especially when baked.
For a thicker sauce, mix a little more cornstarch with water and stir in during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Storage

Store leftover Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken further as it cools, so add a splash of water when reheating if needed to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken pieces to ensure even cooking and proper texture. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before seasoning and cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 52 reviews

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a sweet and tangy dish featuring tender chicken chunks baked in a flavorful pineapple and brown sugar glaze. The recipe combines savory soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of vinegar to balance the sweetness, resulting in a delightful, caramelized finish perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Author: Marco
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 influences

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 chicken)

Glaze and Sauce

1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks with juice (do not drain)
0.5 cup brown sugar (light or dark depending on desired flavor depth)
0.33 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken sauce)

Optional Garnish

Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Chopped green onions

Instructions

Rest: Allow the chicken pieces to rest briefly if just cut, ensuring 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 with salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly to build flavor.
Brown the Chicken in a Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces for about 4 minutes total, turning to get a golden crust but not cooking them through.
Whisk the Pineapple Glaze: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the browned chicken into the prepared baking dish. Pour the pineapple chunks with their juice over the chicken. Drizzle the glaze evenly over everything and gently stir to coat the chicken pieces.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce thickens.
Caramelize Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes uncovered to caramelize the glaze, creating a sticky, flavorful finish.
Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to settle the flavors. Garnish with chopped green onions and additional pineapple chunks if desired. Optionally sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat.

Notes

Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
Brown chicken only until golden, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
Fresh grated ginger can be used instead of ground ginger for a more vibrant flavor.
Covering the dish during baking ensures juicy chicken and prevents the sauce from drying out.
Caramelizing the glaze in the last baking step adds a delicious sticky texture and deep flavor.
Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Can be made with chicken thighs for more moist and flavorful results.

Keywords: brown sugar pineapple chicken, baked pineapple chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, pineapple glaze chicken, easy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken recipe