Description
Delicious Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a quick and easy dinner recipe that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs are caramelized with brown sugar and complemented by juicy pineapple chunks, soy sauce, garlic, and a tang of rice vinegar. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile dish is perfect served over rice, noodles, or with veggies, making it an impressive meal for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh preferred)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season lightly with black pepper. This helps the chicken brown nicely when cooked and ensures an even flavor base.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear each side until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. This caramelization locks in moisture and adds a savory crust.
- Make the Sauce: Into the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, mixing everything until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Pineapple: Mix in the pineapple chunks, allowing them to warm through and release their juices into the sauce. The fruit’s sweetness will balance the richness of the chicken beautifully.
- Simmer and Glaze: Return the chicken to the pan and coat with the glossy sauce. Simmer everything together for 5 to 7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a delicious glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with chopped green onions and freshly ground black pepper before serving. The green onions add a pop of color and a light crunch that complements the juicy chicken.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor; breasts can be substituted but may be less tender.
- Pat the chicken dry before searing for a better golden crust.
- Fresh pineapple chunks enhance texture and flavor compared to canned.
- Allow the sauce to reduce naturally instead of adding thickening agents for richer flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing brown sugar or adding a bit more soy sauce to taste.
- To make it spicy, add red pepper flakes or sriracha according to preference.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to ensure the recipe is gluten-free.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave in short bursts, stirring between.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American with Tropical Influence
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: brown sugar chicken, pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, quick chicken dinner, gluten-free chicken recipe, tropical chicken dish, easy chicken recipe