Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a sweet, tangy, and ultra-comforting dinner inspired by Grandma’s handwritten recipe notebook. Made in one pan with pantry staples, it’s the ultimate weeknight favorite that tastes like a tropical hug on a plate.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ poundsboneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into medium chunks)
- 1 canpineapple chunks (20 oz can, with juice (do not drain))
- ½ cupbrown sugar (light or dark, depending on how deep you want the flavor)
- ⅓ cupsoy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoonsrice vinegar (balances the sweetness)
- 1 teaspoonground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1 tablespooncornstarch (helps thicken the sauce)
- 2 tablespoonsolive oil (for browning chicken)
- 1 teaspoongarlic powder (adds aromatic base)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 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.