Description

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a deliciously sweet and tangy dish featuring tender chicken pieces baked in a luscious pineapple glaze made with brown sugar, soy sauce, and ginger. This comforting recipe balances savory and fruity flavors perfectly, making it an easy yet impressive meal for any night of the week.

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 chicken)

Glaze and 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 (to thicken the sauce)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

Garnish

Chopped green onions (optional garnish)

Instructions

Rest: Allow ingredients or chicken to rest briefly if needed before preparation to ensure a smoother cooking process.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Season the Chicken: Season the chicken chunks evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to build a flavorful base for the dish.
Brown the Chicken in a Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and brown them for about 4 minutes total, until they are golden browned but not thoroughly cooked. This step adds depth to the flavor and texture.
Whisk the Pineapple Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended to create the glaze.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the browned chicken into the prepared baking dish. Add the pineapple chunks along with their juice over the chicken, then drizzle the pineapple glaze on top. Gently stir or toss the ingredients in the dish to evenly coat the chicken in the sauce.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the sauce thickens into a glossy consistency.
Caramelize Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes. This step caramelizes the glaze, enhancing the flavor and giving the chicken a slightly sticky and attractive finish.
Rest and Garnish: Let the baked chicken rest for 5 minutes to ensure juices redistribute for moist meat. Garnish with chopped green onions or some reserved pineapple chunks before serving to add color and freshness.

Notes

For best results, use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture.
You can substitute fresh ginger for ground ginger for a brighter flavor.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more tender outcome.
Ensure the chicken is not fully cooked when browning to avoid overcooking during baking.
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.

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

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