Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken (Sweet & Savory Weeknight Dinner)

Introduction

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors—all wrapped up in a simple, family-friendly dinner. Juicy chicken is coated in a sticky brown sugar glaze, then simmered with pineapple for a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious. Every bite delivers caramelized sweetness balanced by bright pineapple flavor, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is loved because it uses simple pantry staples but tastes like something special. Brown sugar melts into a rich glaze, pineapple adds natural sweetness and acidity, and the chicken stays tender and juicy throughout cooking. The sauce thickens beautifully, clinging to the chicken and making it perfect for serving over rice or alongside roasted vegetables.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual entertaining. It comes together quickly, requires minimal prep, and works well in a skillet, oven, or even a slow cooker. If you enjoy sweet-and-savory dinners with bold flavor and easy preparation, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)

½ cup pineapple juice

½ cup brown sugar, packed

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Optional garnish: sliced green onions or sesame seeds

Preparation
Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Step 4: Add Pineapple and Chicken

Add pineapple chunks to the sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish

If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1–2 minutes until glossy and thick. Garnish and serve warm.

Variations

Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha.

Baked Version: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes.

Slow Cooker Option: Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours.

Honey Pineapple Chicken: Replace half the brown sugar with honey.

Teriyaki Twist: Add extra soy sauce and a splash of rice vinegar.

Cooking Notes

Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work well too.

Drain canned pineapple to avoid excess liquid.

Sauce thickens as it cools—rest briefly before serving.

Avoid high heat once sugar is added to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken over steamed rice, coconut rice, or noodles. It pairs beautifully with broccoli, green beans, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh side salad.

Tips

Cut chicken evenly for uniform cooking.

Taste sauce before simmering and adjust sweetness if needed.

Use fresh pineapple for brighter flavor.

Store leftovers in sauce to keep chicken moist.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

25 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 460

Protein: 34g

Sodium: 520mg

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, just drain it well before using.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

How do I prevent the sauce from burning?
Lower the heat once sugar is added and stir occasionally.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a sweet-and-savory dinner that delivers big flavor with simple ingredients and easy preparation. Juicy chicken, caramelized brown sugar glaze, and bright pineapple come together for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy nights or relaxed family dinners. Once you try it, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. 🍍🍗🍯

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