Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken – Sweet, Savory & So Delicious! 🍍🍗✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a sweet savory chicken recipe that combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the rich flavors of brown sugar, then Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is the perfect dish for you. This baked pineapple chicken recipe offers a delightful balance of tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, providing a tasty twist on traditional chicken recipes. Discover the art of creating this delicious dish, and impress your family and friends with this irresistible sweet, savory chicken recipe.
2. Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks or canned pineapple (drained)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Optional: red chili flakes for extra heat
- Cooking oil
3. Preparation Steps for Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
3.1. Prepare the Chicken
Begin by rinsing and patting dry your chicken. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave it whole if preferred. Season lightly with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
3.2. Make the Brown Sugar Pineapple Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger. This mixture creates the sweet and savory base that makes the baked pineapple chicken so moist and flavorful. For additional flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a dash of chili flakes.
3.3. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or baking dish, heat some cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes. This step locks in the flavor and ensures the chicken is tender and juicy, perfect for the sweet savory chicken recipe.
3.4. Add Pineapple & Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and add pineapple chunks. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for an additional 10 minutes. During cooking, stir gently to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. When the sauce thickens, stir in cornstarch slurry to enhance the texture.
3.5. Bake for a Perfect Finish
For an even more delightful taste, transfer the skillet or casserole to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is beautifully caramelized. This process ensures a tender, flavorful, and slightly caramelized dish.
4. Serving Suggestions & Presentation
Serve brown sugar pineapple chicken hot over steamed white rice or jasmine rice for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it alongside stir-fried vegetables or a fresh garden salad. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. For a complete dinner menu, explore our dinner recipes section for more ideas.
5. Storage Tips for Leftover Sweet Savory Chicken
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop until thoroughly heated. For longer storage, consider freezing in portions and reheating as needed. Find more tips on storing leftovers to maintain freshness and flavor.
6. Variations & Customizations
- Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
- Use an air fryer like the Ninja Air Fryer Pro for a crispy style.
- Experiment with different sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup.
- For a spicy kick, incorporate hot sauce or chili flakes into the sauce.
7. Nutritional Benefits & Health Aspects
This baked pineapple chicken is a healthy choice, rich in protein, vitamins, and antioxidants from pineapple. Using lean chicken breasts and minimal oil keeps the dish low in calories while offering a balanced, satisfying meal. For healthy cooking tips, consult our dinner recipes collection for nutritious ideas.
8. FAQs About Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
- Can I use frozen pineapple? Yes, but drain excess water to prevent diluting the sauce.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated easily.
- Can I make this dish with chicken thighs? Yes, chicken thighs add extra flavor and tenderness.
- How can I make it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.
9. Conclusion
In summary, Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is an incredibly delicious, sweet savory chicken recipe that combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the deep flavor of brown sugar for a truly memorable meal. Easy to prepare and versatile, this baked pineapple chicken is perfect for weeknights or special gatherings. Enhance your cooking repertoire by trying this flavorful dish, and don’t forget to explore other tasty recipes in our dinner and chicken sections. Enjoy every bite of this sweet, savory sensation, and make it a regular on your dinner table!
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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken – Sweet, Savory & So Delicious!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Nut-Free, Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free soy sauce)
Description
Experience a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors with our Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken. This baked pineapple chicken recipe combines tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, caramelized sauce with juicy pineapple chunks, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that brings tropical sweetness and savory richness to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks or canned pineapple (drained)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Optional: red chili flakes for extra heat
- Cooking oil
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing and patting dry your chicken. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave it whole if preferred. Season lightly with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger. This mixture creates the sweet and savory base for the dish.
- Heat some cooking oil in a large skillet or baking dish over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and add pineapple chunks. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring gently to meld flavors.
- When the sauce thickens, stir in the cornstarch slurry to enhance consistency. For an even richer flavor, transfer the skillet or casserole to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for more tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust chili flakes to control heat level.
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor, or drained canned pineapple if fresh is unavailable.
- Serve over steamed white rice or jasmine rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tropical, Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
