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Sweet & Savory Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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Tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious glaze of caramelized brown sugar and tangy pineapple, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained if using canned)
  • 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (freshly grated or ground)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, green onions (thinly sliced), sesame seeds (toasted)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup of soy sauce, 2-3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick, if desired.
  4. Add the pineapple chunks to the same skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to caramelize and turn golden.
  5. Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it among the pineapple chunks. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and pineapple. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through.
  6. Remove the lid and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready.
  7. Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

[‘Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing.’, ‘Fresh pineapple adds a tangier, more vibrant flavor compared to canned.’, ‘Stir the sauce frequently as it reduces to prevent burning.’, ‘Adjust the sweetness by reducing the brown sugar to ¾ cup if preferred.’, ‘Prepare side dishes like steamed rice or roasted veggies while the chicken is simmering to save time.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, brown sugar chicken, tropical chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/sweet-and-savory-brown-sugar-pineapple-chicken-recipe/