Name: Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (Cut into medium chunks); 1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz can, with juice (do not drain)); 0.5 cup brown sugar (Light or dark, depending on how deep you want the flavor); 0.33 cup soy sauce (Low sodium preferred); 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (Balances the sweetness); 1 teaspoon ground ginger (Or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (Helps thicken the sauce); 2 tablespoons olive oil (For browning chicken); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Adds aromatic base); Salt and pepper (To taste); Red pepper flakes (Optional – If you like it with a touch of heat); Chopped green onions (Optional garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-easy, this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a true weeknight hero that is guaranteed to make your taste buds dance! Balancing savory soy, zingy ginger, and pockets of juicy pineapple, each bite is a burst of sunshine on a plate. The best part? You simply brown your chicken, whip up a luscious pineapple glaze, then transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish for a quick bake that lets all those flavors mingle and meld. It’s colorful, crowd-pleasing, and unfailingly delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, accessible pantry staples come together in the most magical way in this recipe. Every ingredient has a starring role, adding vibrant taste, lush texture, or gorgeous color to the finished dish.

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender, juicy protein that’s the perfect canvas for sweet and tangy flavors.
Pineapple Chunks with Juice: Adds bursts of tropical sweetness and the juice creates a flavorful sauce base.
Brown Sugar: Deepens the sweet caramel notes; light or dark works depending on your mood!
Soy Sauce (low sodium): Brings balance and richness while letting other flavors shine.
Rice Vinegar: Lifts and brightens with mild acidity to counter the sweetness.
Ground or Fresh Ginger: Adds zingy, aromatic warmth that wakes up the sauce.
Cornstarch: Guarantees a glossy, clingy sauce that hugs the chicken beautifully.
Olive Oil: Makes for perfectly browned chicken—crispy without overwhelming the flavor.
Garlic Powder: Stealthy, savory depth in every mouthful.
Salt & Pepper: Season to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For anyone who loves a hint of gentle heat.
Chopped Green Onions (optional garnish): A fresh, vibrant pop and pretty finish.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Rest the Chicken (if you have time)

If you’ve just sliced up your chicken, let it sit out at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly, and results in juicier pieces—especially important if you’re starting with chilled chicken straight from the fridge.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s happening, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or a quick mist of cooking spray. Starting with a prepped pan means that when it’s time to transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish, you won’t have to scramble.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Generously sprinkle your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This is your chance to lock in flavor right from the start. Give the chicken a gentle toss to make sure the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken in a Skillet

Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and warm up the olive oil. In batches if needed, brown the seasoned chicken for about 4 minutes total—just until it picks up a gorgeous golden crust but is still juicy and not cooked through. Once browned, transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish and get ready for the fun part!

Step 5: Whisk the Pineapple Glaze

While your chicken is getting that irresistible sear, grab a mixing bowl. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, all the pineapple juice from the can (save the chunks!), rice vinegar, ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk everything together until there are no lumps—this is the flavor-packed magic that will transform humble chicken into a saucy sensation.

Step 6: Assemble and Coat in the Baking Dish

Now, transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish (if you haven’t already). Pour the reserved pineapple chunks (along with any juice still clinging to them) over the chicken, then drizzle on your whisked glaze. Give everything a gentle stir so each piece of chicken gets coated in that glossy sauce, and those pineapple chunks are nestled into every nook and cranny.

Step 7: Bake Covered

Cover the dish snugly with foil and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, letting the steam help tenderize the chicken while the sauce thickens and infuses every bite. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest spot.

Step 8: Caramelize Uncovered

Take off the foil and return the dish to the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes. This final bake lets the glaze bubble and caramelize around the edges, giving you those drool-worthy, sticky-sweet bits that everyone will fight over.

Step 9: Rest, Garnish, and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the dish stand for 5 minutes to allow the juices to settle. Finish with a flurry of chopped green onions or even a few extra pineapple chunks on top. Serve up immediately and watch everyone rush to the table!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Garnishes

Brighten up your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken by topping it with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, a scattering of sliced red chilies, or even toasted sesame seeds. The green onions especially add a grassy crunch, and just a handful can make the finished dish pop with color and flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely begs for a soft bed of fluffy steamed rice—plain jasmine or even coconut rice would soak up every drop of that gorgeous sauce. Add a quick stir-fried veggie medley, like snap peas and carrots, or tangy pickled cucumbers on the side for contrast. If you’re in the mood, buttery mashed potatoes or even a crusty chunk of bread also turn this into a soul-warming feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful, party-ready twist, serve transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish family-style right out of the oven so everyone can help themselves. Or use lettuce cups for a lighter dinner, or pile the sweet-glazed chicken onto slider buns for a tropical spin on sandwiches. Skewer a piece of chicken and pineapple on cocktail picks for a bite-sized (and adorable!) starter at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, lucky you! Just transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish (including every last spoonful of sauce) into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to four days—the flavors become even more irresistible as they mingle overnight.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual portions of the chicken and sauce together. Let everything cool completely first, then transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish or a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to three months, and makes for a fantastic meal prep option on busy weeks.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in a covered baking dish in the oven at 325°F until hot and bubbly, or gently warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too—just use shorter bursts and stir occasionally to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple tastes fantastic in this recipe. Just be sure to use about 2 cups of chopped pineapple and add around 1/2 cup pineapple juice to make up for the liquid you’d get from the can. The rest of the method stays the same.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, it’s easy! Swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check that your other ingredients (especially vinegar and cornstarch) are certified gluten-free and you’re all set.

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces?

You can! Increase the baking time by about 10–15 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks all the way through. Just don’t forget—after you brown, transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish so the oven can finish the job.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest way is by using a meat thermometer. Chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for opaque, firm pieces with juices that run clear.

Can I make it spicier?

Definitely! Add extra red pepper flakes to your glaze, or toss in a diced jalapeño with the pineapple. Even a dash of sriracha stirred in before you transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish brings a gentle, fiery kick.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so welcoming and fun about gathering around the table for Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken. The blend of sweet pineapple and savory chicken is truly irresistible—and I just know your friends and family will agree. Give it a try tonight: transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish, let the oven do the magic, and savor every bite!

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

★★★★★

5 from 16 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delicious sweet and savory dish that combines tender chicken with the tropical flavors of pineapple and a caramelized brown sugar glaze. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.

Instructions

Rest – Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Season the Chicken – Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Brown the Chicken in a Skillet – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the seasoned chicken for about 4 minutes total, until golden but not cooked through.
Whisk the Pineapple Glaze – In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, the pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch until smooth.
Assemble in Baking Dish – Transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish. Pour pineapple chunks with juice over it and drizzle the glaze. Stir gently to coat.
Bake Covered – Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (165°F) and sauce thickens.
Caramelize Uncovered – Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Rest and Garnish – Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions or reserved pineapple chunks.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Asian