Why make this recipe
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. The juicy chicken breasts are coated in a rich sauce made from brown sugar, soy sauce, and fresh pineapple, creating a balance that is irresistible. This recipe is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering a tropical twist that brings a smile to everyone’s face. Not only is this meal delicious, but it’s also simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced cooks.
How to make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned)
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Directions:
Creating Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken can be straightforward if you follow these easy steps:
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir well to combine.
- Add Pineapple: Incorporate the pineapple chunks into the sauce and stir.
- Return Chicken: Place the chicken back into the skillet, coating it well with the sauce.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Check Doneness: Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Garnish: Once cooked, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle with extra sauce from the skillet.
By following these detailed steps, you’ll create a mouthwatering dish that everyone will enjoy.
How to serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Serve this delicious dish over a bed of rice or alongside steamed vegetables. The sweet and tangy sauce pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, allowing you to fully enjoy the flavors of the chicken. Don’t forget to offer extra sauce on the side for those who love a little extra sweetness!
How to store Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You can also add a splash of water or pineapple juice to keep it moist.
Tips to make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor, but canned pineapple works fine too.
- Don’t skip the searing step; it adds a nice texture to the chicken.
- Taste the sauce before adding the chicken to adjust sweetness or saltiness as per your preference.
Variation
For a spicier kick, consider adding a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also substitute chicken thighs for a juicy alternative.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure they are fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking.
2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prepping.
3. Can I use other proteins?
Yes! This sauce works well with pork or shrimp if you prefer a different protein. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned) Fresh pineapple is recommended for best flavor
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauce Preparation
- In the same skillet, add the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir well to combine.
- Incorporate the pineapple chunks into the sauce and stir.
Cooking
- Place the chicken back into the skillet, coating it well with the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle with extra sauce from the skillet.