Description

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a deliciously sweet and tangy dish featuring tender chicken pieces glazed in a caramelized pineapple and brown sugar sauce. This comforting recipe combines juicy pineapple chunks with a balance of soy sauce, ginger, and rice vinegar, then bakes the chicken to perfection for an easy and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into medium chunks
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)

Glaze & Sauce

1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz can, with juice, do not drain)
0.5 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
0.33 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Optional Garnish

Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Chopped green onions

Instructions

Rest: Allow all ingredients to come to room temperature if refrigerated to ensure even cooking.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to build flavor.
Brown the Chicken in a Skillet: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken pieces and brown them for about 4 minutes total until golden on the outside but not fully cooked through, which helps develop flavor and texture.
Whisk the Pineapple Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch until smooth. This will form the sweet and tangy glaze that thickens during baking.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish. Pour the pineapple chunks with juice over the chicken, then drizzle the prepared glaze on top. Stir gently to coat all pieces evenly.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened.
Caramelize Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes to caramelize the glaze on the chicken for a rich, sticky finish.
Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped green onions and additional pineapple chunks if desired before serving.

Notes

You can use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger for a more vibrant flavor.
Adjust red pepper flakes to add a spicy kick according to your preference.
Serve over steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken during browning since it will continue cooking in the oven.
Using low sodium soy sauce helps control sodium levels in the dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American with Asian influence

Keywords: brown sugar pineapple chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, baked pineapple chicken, easy dinner recipe, caramelized chicken