Print

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 30 reviews

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a sweet and savory dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce made from brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple chunks, and aromatic spices. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this tropical-inspired recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your family and guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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

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

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper thoroughly to enhance the flavor of the meat.
  2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat, preparing it for searing the chicken.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook them for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Then, remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: Using the same skillet, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir continuously until all ingredients are well blended and the sugar begins to dissolve.
  5. Add Pineapple: Stir in the pineapple chunks to infuse the sauce with a fruity sweetness that complements the savory elements.
  6. Return Chicken: Place the chicken back into the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly with the pineapple sauce mixture to ensure full flavor coverage.
  7. Simmer: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 20-25 minutes. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the sauce while becoming tender and juicy.
  8. Check Doneness: Verify that the internal temperature of the chicken breasts reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are safely cooked through.
  9. Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken for a fresh, vibrant flavor boost.
  10. Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the skillet, serving immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Fresh pineapple is recommended for best flavor, but canned pineapple chunks work well too.
  • Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your preferred sweetness level.
  • For a spicier variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Serve this dish with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, sweet and savory chicken, pineapple chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, tropical chicken dish