Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both quick and bursting with flavor? Craving something healthy that doesn’t skimp on taste? Let me introduce you to Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken. This recipe is a total game-changer—easy to throw together, packed with healthy protein and naturally sweet pineapple, and infused with the rich, caramel notes of brown sugar. Honestly, after a long day, this is the kind of comfort food I crave, and I’m pretty sure you will too!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a mini vacation for your taste buds. Years ago, after a trip to Hawaii, I became obsessed with recreating the vibrant, tropical flavors I experienced there. After countless attempts, I landed on this recipe. The sweetness of the pineapple combined with the savory chicken and a hint of brown sugar creates a perfect harmony I know you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, combine the pineapple chunks, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the sauce ingredients.
- Simmer and Combine: Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the brown sugar pineapple sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Enjoy!
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece is evenly coated.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- In the same skillet, combine the pineapple chunks, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).1 cup pineapple chunks, ½ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 clove garlic, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the sauce ingredients.1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon water
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the brown sugar pineapple sauce.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Serve immediately over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Enjoy!2 tablespoons sesame seeds, 2 green onions