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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe delivers a delightful balance of sweet and savory, transforming simple chicken into a flavor-packed tropical escape. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s an easy yet impressive meal that will have everyone begging for seconds, proving that delicious doesn't have to be complicated.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple undrained
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce low-sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons pineapple juice from the canned pineapple
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening, optional
  • 1 tablespoon cold water if using cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste with salt
  • chopped fresh cilantro Optional garnish
  • sliced green onions Optional garnish
  • toasted sesame seeds Optional garnish

Equipment

  • Medium Bowl
  • Large skillet or wok
  • Small bowl for slurry

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown nicely. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, Salt, freshly ground black pepper
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the crushed pineapple (with its juice), brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Ensure the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
    1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
    1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil, 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  4. Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the same skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.
    1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple
  5. If you prefer a thicker sauce, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Gradually whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
    1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon cold water
  6. Return the seared chicken to the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and absorb the delicious sauce.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  7. Serve the Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken immediately over steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or your favorite grain. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or toasted sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and color.
    chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds

Notes

Recipe is good for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Can also be frozen.