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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Easy)

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken (Sweet, Savory & Easy)

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dinner that brings together juicy chicken, sweet caramelized brown sugar, and tangy pineapple in a rich, glossy sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests. Serve it with rice to soak up every drop of that irresistible sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sauce

  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed

  • ½ cup soy sauce

  • ¼ cup ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

  2. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  3. Sear the Chicken: Add chicken to the skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

  4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and ground ginger. Stir until well combined.

  5. Add Pineapple: Stir in the pineapple chunks and let the sauce begin to bubble.

  6. Return Chicken: Place chicken back into the skillet, turning to coat in the sauce.

  7. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.

  8. Check Doneness: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

  9. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and spoon extra sauce over the chicken before serving.

Notes

  • Extra Sauce: Double the sauce ingredients if serving with rice or noodles.

  • Juicier Chicken: Chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra tender.

  • Thicker Sauce: Let the sauce simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes.

  • Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce.

  • Add Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha adds a nice kick.

  • Oven Option: After searing, transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.