why make this recipe
This dish is simple, sweet, and quick. It cooks in one pan and gives you a tasty mix of brown sugar and pineapple with chicken. It works for weeknights or a small dinner with friends.
introduction
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is sweet, tangy, and easy to cook, and you can make it with simple pantry items; if you want a sweet cookie idea after dinner, see a brown sugar rhubarb cookies recipe for a matching dessert.
how to make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
- Mix the sauce first so it is ready.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet and sear the chicken until brown on both sides.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and add the pineapple.
- Cover the pan and let it simmer until the chicken cooks through.
- Serve the chicken with the sauce and extra pineapple if you like.
Ingredients :
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- In a bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and ginger. Mix well.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Sear until golden brown on both sides.
- Pour the brown sugar mixture over the chicken and add diced pineapple.
- Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot, drizzled with the sauce and garnished with extra pineapple if desired.
how to serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Serve with white rice, brown rice, or noodles to soak up the sauce. Add steamed vegetables or a simple green salad on the side. Spoon extra sauce and pineapple over the chicken when you plate it.
how to store Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Let the chicken cool to room temperature, then put it in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or in the microwave until hot. Do not leave out at room temperature more than 2 hours.
tips to make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry before searing to get a better brown color.
- Use fresh pineapple for best flavor, but canned pineapple (drained) also works.
- Taste the sauce before adding to the pan and adjust sugar or soy sauce if you want sweeter or saltier.
- Cook on medium heat so the sauce does not burn.
variation (if any)
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor.
- Stir in a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for extra tang.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen pineapple?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain it first so it does not add too much water.
Q: How do I know the chicken is done?
A: Cut into the thickest part; the juices should run clear and the meat should not be pink. Or use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I make this ahead and reheat?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge and reheat gently. The sauce may thicken; add a little water if you need to loosen it.
Q: Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stove?
A: Yes. Sear the chicken first, then place in an oven-safe dish, pour the sauce and pineapple over, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
This dish is simple, sweet, and quick, featuring chicken cooked with brown sugar and pineapple for a tasty weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix the sauce first so it is ready.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet and sear the chicken until brown on both sides.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and add the pineapple.
- Cover the pan and let it simmer until the chicken cooks through.
- Serve the chicken with the sauce and extra pineapple if you like.
Notes
Pat the chicken dry before searing for better browning. Use fresh pineapple for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg