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.
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
Prep the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the Chicken: Add chicken to the skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and ground ginger. Stir until well combined.
Add Pineapple: Stir in the pineapple chunks and let the sauce begin to bubble.
Return Chicken: Place chicken back into the skillet, turning to coat in the sauce.
Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
Check Doneness: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and spoon extra sauce over the chicken before serving.
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.