Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, featuring tender chicken breasts glazed in a delicious brown sugar and pineapple sauce. It’s the ideal dish for anyone craving tropical flavors with a comforting, quick dinner option!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the richness of brown sugar and the freshness of pineapple to create a sauce that perfectly complements the juicy, seasoned chicken breasts. The balance of sweet and savory is simply irresistible, and the addition of pineapple brings a delightful burst of flavor. Plus, it’s so easy to make! In just 30 minutes, I get a flavorful, satisfying meal that can be served with rice or vegetables. This recipe is not only delicious but also customizable if I want to play around with flavors. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but doesn’t take much effort at all.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger (optional)

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the pineapple chunks, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and ginger (if using). Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.

Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the pineapple softens and the sauce thickens slightly.

If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, then stir it into the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2 minutes.

Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the chicken, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the chicken absorb the flavors.

Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve immediately with rice or vegetables.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I place any remaining chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to enjoy it again, I reheat it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. The chicken remains tender, and the flavors are just as delicious the next day!

Related Recipes:

• Pineapple Juice Cake
• Cinnamon Apple Cider Muffins

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They tend to be juicier and will work well with the sweet and savory sauce.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned pineapple works just as well as fresh pineapple for this recipe, and it’s an easy substitute if you don’t have fresh pineapple on hand.

Is there a substitute for apple cider vinegar?

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, I’ve found that white vinegar or rice vinegar can work as good substitutes. Each offers a slightly different flavor, but they still balance the sweetness of the brown sugar.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance! I like to cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving. The flavors will meld together beautifully.

Conclusion

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is the kind of recipe I can count on for a quick, flavorful meal. The combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken creates a satisfying dish that’s full of tropical flair. Plus, it’s so versatile — I can tweak the ingredients to suit my taste or dietary preferences. Whether I’m serving it for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual family gathering, this dish is always a hit.

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