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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 120 reviews

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious sauce made with brown sugar, fresh pineapple, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. This easy-to-make skillet recipe offers a tropical twist perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sauce

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned)
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor before cooking.
  2. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering, preparing for searing.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir continuously to combine the ingredients and form a smooth sauce.
  5. Add Pineapple: Mix the fresh pineapple chunks into the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  6. Return Chicken: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly with the sauce.
  7. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  8. Check Doneness: Verify that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure safe consumption.
  9. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the cooked chicken to add a fresh burst of flavor and color.
  10. Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle with extra sauce from the skillet for a glossy finish and enhanced taste.

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple for optimal flavor; canned pineapple can be substituted in a pinch.
  • Marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes beforehand for deeper flavor if time permits.
  • Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to spice up the sauce if desired.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Bone-in chicken can be used but requires longer cooking time.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C).

Keywords: Brown Sugar Chicken, Pineapple Chicken, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Tropical Chicken Recipe, Skillet Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner