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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delightful sweet and savory dish that combines tender chicken with caramelized brown sugar and tangy pineapple. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe balances bold flavors with freshness, creating a comforting yet exciting meal that the entire family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Protein

  • Chicken breasts or thighs (bone-in or boneless) – about 1.5 to 2 pounds

Sauce and Flavorings

  • Brown sugar – 1/3 cup
  • Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice) – 1 cup
  • Soy sauce – 1/4 cup
  • Minced garlic – 2 cloves
  • Fresh ginger, minced – 1 tablespoon
  • Rice vinegar or lime juice – 2 tablespoons
  • Olive or vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons

Garnishes

  • Chopped green onions – 2 tablespoons

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger to the leftover oil and browned bits, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar (or lime juice). Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy.
  3. Add Pineapple: Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet, stirring them into the sauce to warm and soak up the flavors. The pineapple juices will mingle with the caramelized brown sugar to create a sweet-tart balance.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet, carefully spooning the sauce and pineapple over the top. Simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld and keep the chicken juicy.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top just before serving to add freshness and a pop of color. Serve hot with your choice of sides such as steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.

Notes

  • Dry the chicken thoroughly before cooking to achieve a golden, crispy sear.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken fully for a perfect sticky glaze.
  • Use fresh pineapple if possible for better texture and flavor.
  • Adjust the sweetness by tasting the sauce and adding more brown sugar or soy sauce as preferred.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar chicken, pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten free chicken

Find it online: https://withnora.com/brown-sugar-pineapple-chicken/