Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken. This crowd-pleasing dish brings juicy chicken breasts together with caramelized brown sugar, bright pineapple chunks, and a glossy, sticky sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this is a must-try. Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is truly the kind of recipe you’ll want to make over and over again!

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore about this recipe is how easy it is to pull together with just a handful of pantry staples and a can of pineapple. Every ingredient plays its own crucial part in creating a beautiful balance of taste and texture, so don’t skip a thing!

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make this dish quick to cook and tender every time.
Olive oil: Just a splash is perfect for getting a golden sear on the chicken without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Salt and black pepper: These classics brighten up all the other ingredients while enhancing the natural savoriness of the chicken.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle backbone of garlicky goodness that melds perfectly into the sauce.
Canned pineapple chunks (juice reserved): The sweet-tart pineapple is the signature of this dish; be sure to save that juice for the sauce!
Brown sugar: This key player melts into a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps the sauce get that luscious finish.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds complexity and saltiness without making the dish too heavy—using low-sodium gives you more control.
Cornstarch: Just a bit, mixed with water, thickens everything to velvety perfection at the end.
Water: Needed to make the cornstarch slurry and avoid any lumps as you thicken the sauce.
Fresh ginger (optional): Grated ginger will give your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken a little warm zing; use it if you have it!
Chopped green onions & sesame seeds (optional): These garnishes add crunch and brightness right at the finish line.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat ensures the chicken is beautifully browned but still juicy on the inside. Sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, just until they develop a golden crust. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through right now, as they’ll finish in the sauce soon.

Step 2: Mix Up the Sweet and Savory Sauce

While the chicken is searing, grab a bowl and whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and fresh ginger if you’re using it. This simple mixture transforms into a glossy, deeply flavored sauce that ties the whole dish together. The pineapple juice brings brightness, the brown sugar adds sweetness, and the soy sauce layers in umami. It’s liquid gold!

Step 3: Simmer with Pineapple Chunks

Pour that lovely sauce mixture right over the chicken in the skillet, making sure each piece gets nicely coated. Add the drained pineapple chunks on top to nestle them into the sauce. Pop on a lid and let everything simmer over medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. As the chicken cooks through, it soaks up all those sweet and savory flavors, and the pineapple becomes extra juicy.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

To finish, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. During the last 5 minutes of simmering, stir this into the skillet. The sauce will magically thicken and become glossy, clinging to every piece of chicken and pineapple. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you wish, then remove the pan from the heat.

Step 5: Serve with Style

Arrange your chicken on plates or a serving platter, making sure every portion gets a generous amount of pineapple and that luscious sauce. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds if desired for a little extra flair. You’re ready to enjoy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken at its finest!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds really makes the flavors pop and adds a delightful bit of crunch. If you want even more color, scatter some fresh cilantro or finely sliced red chili on top for a playful twist. These simple touches turn your meal into a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds!

Side Dishes

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is fantastic over fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up all that incredible sauce. Jasmine or basmati rice both work beautifully, but you can also pair it with cauliflower rice for a lighter option. A side of steamed broccoli, snap peas, or even roasted sweet potatoes balances out the sweetness and rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little fancy, try serving the chicken and pineapple in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a tropical touch—this printable presentation is always a huge hit at dinner parties! You can also slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of greens, drizzle generously with sauce, and add fried wonton strips for crunch. It’s a showstopper that’s just as fun to look at as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken keeps surprisingly well! Once cooled, transfer the chicken and pineapple (with all the sauce) into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

This is a freezer-friendly dish, too! Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a well-sealed container or freezer bag, and you can freeze it for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken with the sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring so the sauce is evenly distributed. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or pineapple juice. Microwaving works in a pinch, just be sure to cover the dish to keep the chicken moist and prevent splattering.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious and may even stay a bit juicier during simmering. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed—the thighs might need a few extra minutes to cook through.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken can be made gluten-free by swapping the soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free alternative. Be sure to check all your labels if you have strict dietary needs.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is perfect for the slow cooker. Just sear the chicken for extra flavor, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Thicken the sauce with cornstarch at the end, right before serving.

What if I want a spicier kick?

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce before simmering. Freshly sliced jalapeños tossed in at the end make for an extra zippy finish, too!

Can I prep any ingredients ahead of time?

Yes! You can whisk the sauce (pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger) ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can also season and marinate the chicken earlier in the day for extra flavor and convenience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that’s sweet, savory, and guaranteed to gather everyone happily around the table, give Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken a try. You’ll be amazed how quickly it comes together and how much flavor is packed into every bite. I hope it becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen, just as it has in mine!

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe combines sweet and savory flavors for a delicious meal that’s easy to make. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a flavorful brown sugar and pineapple sauce, creating a dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce:

1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks in juice (drained, juice reserved)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)

Garnish:

Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and grated ginger if using. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Add the pineapple chunks.
Cook the chicken: Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking to thicken.
Serve: Once the sauce is thick and glossy, remove from heat. Serve chicken topped with pineapple and sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

This dish pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables.
You can also make it in a slow cooker—just cook on low for 4–5 hours and thicken the sauce at the end.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American