BEST BROWN SUGAR PINEAPPLE CHICKEN

Imagine juicy, tender chicken glistening in a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze, studded with chunks of golden pineapple. This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is your ticket to a flavor-packed dinner that’s surprisingly simple to make. Get ready to experience a taste of the tropics right in your own kitchen – you’re going to love this!

The Dream Team: What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Brown Sugar Pineapple Sauce:

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve the juice!)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Cooked rice, for serving

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated – this will help them brown beautifully!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot before adding the chicken.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. You may need to work in batches.
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce

1. In a medium bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, cornstarch, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved – no one likes lumpy sauce!

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

1. Pour the sauce into the same skillet you used to cook the chicken.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, about 3-5 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon easily.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked chicken and pineapple chunks to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Stir to coat the chicken and pineapple evenly with the sauce.
3. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken over cooked rice.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
3. Enjoy every single bite!

Tips and Tricks for Pineapple Chicken Perfection

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:

This is crucial for getting that beautiful sear on the chicken. If the pan is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of browning. Work in batches to ensure each piece gets nicely caramelized.

Adjust the Sweetness:

The sweetness of pineapple can vary. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly. Taste and adjust as you go!

Spice It Up:

If you like a little heat, don’t be afraid to add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce. A little bit goes a long way!

Make it Gluten-Free:

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a Japanese soy sauce that is typically gluten-free.

Storage Suggestions:

Leftover Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Variations to Make it Your Own

Add Some Veggies:

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this dish! Bell peppers, onions, broccoli, and snap peas all work well. Add them to the skillet along with the pineapple chunks in the last few minutes of cooking.

Use Chicken Thighs:

If you prefer chicken thighs, you can absolutely use them in this recipe! They will take a little longer to cook than chicken breasts, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Chicken thighs are also a great choice because they tend to stay more moist!

Make it in the Slow Cooker:

For an even easier version, you can make this dish in the slow cooker! Simply combine all of the ingredients (except the cornstarch) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. In the last 30 minutes, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.

What to Serve With Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorite options:

• Cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• Quinoa
• Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
• Steamed broccoli
• Green beans
• Side salad

Craving More Chicken Recipes?

If you’re a chicken lover like me, you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to prepare it. Here are a few other chicken recipes that I think you’ll enjoy:

• Try this Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken for a richer, even more decadent take on this classic dish.
• For a fun and flavorful appetizer, you can’t go wrong with these Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs.
• And if you’re in the mood for wings, these Pineapple-teriyaki Chicken Wings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• For a super easy weeknight dinner, check out this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken.
• Don’t forget this Pineapple Chicken Rice or this Pineapple Chicken Rice Bake for a complete meal!

Why I Love This Recipe

Honestly, I’m obsessed with this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe because it’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. It’s also incredibly easy to make, which is a major win in my book. Plus, it’s a great way to use up that can of pineapple chunks that’s been lurking in your pantry! It’s one of those recipes I can whip up on a busy weeknight and still feel like I’m serving up something special. And the leftovers? They’re just as delicious the next day. Seriously, give this recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!