Description
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a sweet and tangy Hawaiian-inspired dish that brings tropical sunshine to your dinner table. Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a caramelized glaze made with brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice — all baked together with tender pineapple chunks for an irresistible sticky-sweet flavor. It’s the perfect blend of savory and fruity, ideal for weeknights, family dinners, or when you want to feel like you’re dining beachside.
Ingredients
-
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
-
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks with juice (do not drain)
-
½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
-
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
-
2 tbsp rice vinegar
-
1 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tbsp fresh grated)
-
1 tbsp cornstarch
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
-
Chopped green onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat and prep: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Season the chicken: Toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
-
Brown the chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown chicken for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally.
-
Make the glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice (from the can), rice vinegar, ginger, and cornstarch until smooth.
-
Assemble and bake: Add browned chicken and pineapple chunks to the baking dish. Pour the glaze over and stir gently. Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes.
-
Caramelize: Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
-
Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with green onions. Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts work perfectly for a leaner version.
The sauce thickens as it cools — don’t worry if it looks thin at first.
Substitute apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar if needed.
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick.
Perfect for meal prep — it reheats beautifully and the flavor deepens overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican