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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.

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

  1. Rest: Allow the chicken pieces to rest briefly if just cut, ensuring even cooking.
  2. 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.
  3. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken chunks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly to build flavor.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Caramelize Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes uncovered to caramelize the glaze, creating a sticky, flavorful finish.
  9. 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

Find it online: https://savorandsimmer.com/brown-sugar-pineapple-chicken-recipe/