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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 73 reviews

This Pineapple Chicken recipe combines tender browned chicken with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze baked to perfection. Juicy pineapple chunks and a flavorful sauce of brown sugar, soy sauce, and ginger create a deliciously caramelized dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into medium chunks
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning chicken)

Sauce & Glaze

  • 1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz can, with juice, do not drain)
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 0.33 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Optional Garnish

  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Rest: Set your ingredients aside and prepare all your components before cooking.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
  3. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken chunks evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to build a flavorful base.
  4. Brown the Chicken in a Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and brown them for about 4 minutes total, turning occasionally, until golden on the outside but not fully cooked through.
  5. Whisk the Pineapple Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, the pineapple juice from the canned chunks, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  6. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the browned chicken pieces to the prepared baking dish. Pour the pineapple chunks with their juice over the chicken. Drizzle the pineapple glaze evenly on top. Gently stir to ensure the chicken is coated.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened.
  8. Caramelize Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes to caramelize and thicken the glaze further.
  9. Rest and Garnish: Allow the baked chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and, if desired, additional pineapple chunks and red pepper flakes for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt levels in the dish.
  • For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes during the glazing process.
  • Ensure chicken is not overcooked during browning as it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Fresh grated ginger can be used instead of ground ginger for a more vibrant flavor.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Keywords: pineapple chicken, baked pineapple chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, brown sugar chicken glaze, easy chicken dinner

Find it online: https://recipeswithria.com/brown-sugar-pineapple-chicken-recipe/