Irresistible Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Recipe By:
Ruth
Updated:

The aroma of Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken wafting through your kitchen is nothing short of a culinary confetti explosion. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a luscious, sticky brown sugar glaze, mingling with sweet, tangy pineapple. It’s a dish that dances on your palate and makes your taste buds sing like they’re auditioning for a Broadway musical.

This delightful creation isn’t just about flavor; it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply trying to impress your family on a regular Tuesday, Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is sure to steal the show and leave you basking in the glory of culinary success.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe is incredibly easy to whip up on busy weeknights
  • The tantalizing flavor profile combines sweetness and savory goodness in perfect harmony
  • Its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach
  • Plus, it can be served over rice or paired with grilled veggies for versatility

I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends thought I had transformed into a gourmet chef overnight. The smiles on their faces were priceless, and I basked in the glory of my cooking prowess.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 chicken breasts for optimal juiciness; adjust based on appetite.

  • Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple brings a juicy sweetness; canned works but lacks that vibrant zing.

  • Brown Sugar: This is your secret weapon for that caramelized glaze; use packed brown sugar for best results.

  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control saltiness; balance is key here.

  • Fresh Ginger: Adds an aromatic kick; fresh ginger enhances the overall flavor profile wonderfully.

  • Garlic Cloves: Essential for depth; always use fresh cloves for optimal pungency.

  • Lime Juice: A splash brightens everything up; opt for fresh lime juice whenever possible.

  • Olive Oil: For sautéing your chicken; it keeps things from sticking while adding flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks. Mince garlic and ginger finely so they meld beautifully into the sauce.

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes while you twiddle your thumbs or dance around.

Heat Things Up: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add marinated chicken breasts to sizzle away until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes on each side.

Add Pineapple Goodness: Toss in pineapple chunks before lowering heat to medium. Cook until pineapple caramelizes slightly and releases its juices—this should take about 5 minutes.

Create That Glaze!: Pour any remaining marinade into the skillet. Let it bubble away until it thickens slightly—watch closely as it transforms into liquid gold!

Serve It Up!: Plate your succulent chicken topped with those juicy pineapple pieces and drizzle the thickened sauce all over. Serve with rice or veggies to soak up every drop of flavor!

Now you have a stunning Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken ready to impress! This dish not only tastes heavenly but also looks like you put in hours of effort when really it was just some marinating magic and skillet sorcery!

You Must Know

  • Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a tropical escape for your taste buds
  • The sweet and savory blend elevates ordinary chicken to a culinary masterpiece, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then simmer with the pineapple sauce for maximum flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping chicken for shrimp or adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that delights.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • A well-marinated chicken ensures deep flavor
  • Use fresh pineapple juice for sweetness, and let it rest after cooking for juiciness
  • Don’t rush the cooking; patience yields tender results

Creating this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken was a game-changer at my last family gathering, where everyone asked for seconds.

FAQ

What can I serve with Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken?

Pair it with rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce perfectly.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pineapple works well; just drain excess syrup before using.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use skinless chicken breasts and reduce brown sugar for a lighter version.

Print

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Indulge in the tropical flavors of Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, where succulent chicken breasts are enveloped in a sticky, sweet brown sugar glaze and paired with juicy pineapple. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or summer barbecues, delivering a burst of flavor that will impress family and friends alike. Serve it over rice or alongside grilled vegetables for a complete meal that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Tropical

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping the pineapple and mincing the garlic and ginger.
  2. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes per side).
  4. Add pineapple chunks to the skillet; reduce heat to medium. Cook until pineapple caramelizes (about 5 minutes).
  5. Pour remaining marinade into the skillet and let it thicken slightly.
  6. Serve the chicken topped with pineapple and drizzled with sauce over rice or veggies.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approx. 6 oz)
  • Calories: 355
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - For added spice, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinade. - Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

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