Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
A quick and flavorful brown sugar pineapple chicken made with tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and a rich savory sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned
Optional Garnishes:
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- Mix cornstarch with a little water and add to the sauce. Stir until thickened.
Add Pineapple and Combine:
- Stir in pineapple chunks, then return the chicken to the skillet. Toss until fully coated.
Simmer and Finish:
- Let everything cook together for 3–5 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the chicken.
Serve:
- Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
- Chicken thighs will give a juicier result than chicken breast.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing for a better golden crust.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 28gFat: 12gSugar: 18g
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