Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and tangy combination of brown sugar, pineapple, soy sauce, and ginger. Easy to prepare and bursting with tropical flavors, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal to impress your family and friends.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Chicken and Marinade
- 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
Garnish
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a thick, flavorful marinade.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Ensure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken breasts from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- Prepare the sauce: While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened and safe to consume.
- Combine and serve: Once chicken is cooked, pour the thickened sauce over the chicken breasts. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately, pairing well with steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for a brighter flavor, but canned pineapple works well too.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity based on your preferred sweetness level.
- Be sure to cook the reserved marinade thoroughly before serving as it has been in contact with raw chicken.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, quinoa, or sautéed greens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approx. 180g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: brown sugar pineapple chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, easy chicken recipe, pineapple chicken skillet, tropical chicken dish