Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight
There’s something comforting about the combination of sweet pineapple and tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious brown sugar glaze. I’ve tried countless recipes over the years, but this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken has a special place in my heart. It’s easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal; the vibrant colors and flavors can easily turn any dinner into a delightful feast. Plus, it’s a surefire way to get both kids and adults to clean their plates—what’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe stands out for a myriad of reasons. It’s quick to whip up, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests at a casual dinner. The combination of savory soy sauce, rich brown sugar, and fruity pineapple creates a mouthwatering balance that dances on your palate. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.
“This dish was a hit at our family dinner! I couldn’t believe how simple it was to make, yet it tasted like it came from a five-star restaurant.” — Emily R.
Preparing Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Before diving into the cooking, let’s outline how this delightful dish comes together. You’ll be sautéing the chicken, combining it with a sweet and tangy sauce, and letting it simmer until perfectly cooked. The process is straightforward and requires minimal prep work, making it an ideal choice for any home cook.
What You’ll Need
Gather these items before you begin:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Feel free to experiment with substitutes; for instance, boneless thighs can work wonders in this recipe, imparting extra juiciness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and pineapple chunks. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of cold water and stir it into the sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Serve the chicken with the glaze and pineapple chunks. Garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is as fun as making it! For presentation, serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious glaze. Consider adding a side of sautéed green beans or a fresh cucumber salad for a pop of color and crunch.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Storing leftovers of your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is simple. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, it should last for 3-4 days in the fridge. If you want to extend its life, you can freeze it for up to three months—just be sure to remove as much air as possible from the container.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To elevate your cooking experience, remember these handy tips:
- Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get that golden crust.
- Don’t rush the simmering process; this allows the chicken to absorb all those flavors.
- Feel free to add bell peppers or snap peas to the sauce for extra veggies.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to try:
- Swap out the pineapple for mango for a tropical take.
- Experiment with orange juice or zest for a citrus boost.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick or substitute coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
FAQs
How long can I store the leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but ensure it’s completely thawed before cooking for even results.
What dishes pair well with this chicken?
Serve it with rice or quinoa, and add steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is more than just a dish—it’s a delightful experience ready to transform your dinner table into a tropical escape. Enjoy the sweet and savory notes that make this meal one to remember!
Print
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A sweet and savory dish combining tender chicken breasts with a luscious brown sugar glaze and fresh pineapple, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and pineapple chunks. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of cold water and stir it into the sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Serve the chicken with the glaze and pineapple chunks. Garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Notes
For presentation, serve over fluffy white rice or alongside steamed jasmine rice. Add sautéed green beans or a fresh cucumber salad for color and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg