Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbboneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
cut into medium chunks
- 1 canpineapple chunks)
20 oz can, with juice (do not drain
- ½ cbrown sugar
light or dark, depending on how deep you want the flavor
- ⅓ csoy sauce
low sodium preferred
- 2 tbsprice vinegar
balances the sweetness
- 1 tspground ginger
or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tbspcornstarch
helps thicken the sauce
- 2 tbspolive oil
for browning chicken
- 1 tspgarlic powder
adds aromatic base
- to tastesalt and pepper
- red pepper flakes
optional – if you like it with a touch of heat
- chopped green onions
optional garnish
Directions
- 1
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- 2
Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- 3
Brown the Chicken in a Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the seasoned chicken for about 4 minutes total, until golden but not cooked through.
- 4
Whisk the Pineapple Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, the pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch until smooth.
- 5
Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish. Pour pineapple chunks with juice over it and drizzle the glaze. Stir gently to coat.
- 6
Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (165°F) and sauce thickens.
- 7
Caramelize Uncovered: Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- 8
Rest and Garnish: Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions or reserved pineapple chunks.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
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About this Recipe
Looking for a dinner that's both comforting and bursting with flavor, reminiscent of a treasured family recipe? This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken delivers a sweet and tangy escape right to your kitchen, perfect for any weeknight.
Inspired by the comforting charm of Grandma's handwritten recipe notebook, this dish shines as an ultra-easy, one-pan meal. It masterfully combines simple pantry staples into a harmonious blend of flavors, making weeknight cooking a breeze without sacrificing taste.
Imagine tender pieces of chicken, bathed in a rich, glossy sauce that perfectly balances the sweetness of brown sugar with the bright tang of pineapple and a savory depth from soy sauce. Each bite offers a delightful tropical hug on a plate, with juicy pineapple chunks complementing the succulent chicken. It’s designed to be straightforward and approachable, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful dinner without a complicated process. The aromas alone will make you feel like you’re on a culinary getaway.
Customization & Variations: You can easily adapt this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken to your preferences:
- Feel free to use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs—both absorb the delicious sauce beautifully.
- If you prefer a fresher kick, swap the ground ginger for an equal amount of fresh grated ginger.
- For those who enjoy a little heat to balance the sweetness, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be stirred in.
Serving & Context: This easy pineapple chicken is a fantastic centerpiece for a relaxed family dinner, serving four generously. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness that brightens the whole dish.