Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Description
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a sweet and savory dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a sticky glaze made with brown sugar, pineapple juice, and savory seasonings. The balance of sweetness and umami makes this recipe perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing family meal.
Meta Title
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Meta Description
Juicy chicken cooked in a sweet and savory brown sugar pineapple sauce — easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Yield
4 servings
Timing
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Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: 35–45 minutes
Ingredients
Chicken
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1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
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½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
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½ cup pineapple juice (or juice from canned pineapple)
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¼ cup soy sauce
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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2 tablespoons water
Add-Ins (Optional)
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Pineapple chunks or rings
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Red bell pepper slices
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Green onions for garnish
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Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
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Season chicken lightly with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly browned (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
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Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
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In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and ginger.
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In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth.
4. Simmer
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Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Finish Cooking
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Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
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Add pineapple chunks if using.
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Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in a glossy glaze.
6. Garnish & Serve
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Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
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Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve over steamed white or jasmine rice
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Pair with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option
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Add a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or snap peas
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Works well as a meal-prep dish
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
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Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months
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Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave
Approximate Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: ~420
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Protein: ~32 g
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Fat: ~12 g
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Carbohydrates: ~38 g
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Sugar: ~30 g
(Values vary depending on ingredients used.)
Tips for Best Results
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Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
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Do not overcook — simmer gently to keep chicken tender.
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Adjust sweetness by reducing brown sugar slightly if preferred.
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Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. With tender chicken and a rich pineapple glaze, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to make and always satisfying
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