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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining sweet caramelized brown sugar with juicy fresh pineapple, creating a perfect harmony of sweet and savory tastes. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken pieces glazed in a sticky, tropical sauce enhanced by garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, making it an ideal meal for weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings. Its versatility allows customization with different proteins, veggies, or spice levels, while its kid-friendly sweetness appeals to all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger finely. Dice the fresh pineapple into chunks to provide bursts of tropical flavor.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger until well combined to create a balanced sauce that will coat the chicken.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until they turn golden brown and are nearly cooked through, locking in juiciness and building rich flavor through caramelization.
  4. Add Pineapple and Sauce: Stir in the fresh pineapple chunks, then pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Let everything simmer together until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky glaze that coats each piece.
  5. Finish and Serve: Once the sauce clings beautifully to the chicken and the pineapple is tender yet firm, remove from heat. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, quinoa, or your favorite grain for a delicious, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat; breasts work for a leaner option.
  • Don’t overcook the pineapple—keep it tender but firm for freshness and texture.
  • Simmer the sauce thoroughly until it reduces to a shiny glaze that clings well to the chicken.
  • Adjust the sweetness by tasting the sauce before cooking and modifying brown sugar or vinegar quantities as desired.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor; reheating may thin the sauce.

Nutrition

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

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