Description
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a sweet and tangy one-pan recipe featuring tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a rich brown sugar glaze. It’s quick, family-friendly, and full of bold flavor—perfect for weeknights or casual dinners. Serve it over rice or noodles and enjoy a tropical twist at the dinner table.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
1/2 cup pineapple juice (reserved from the can or fresh)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Coat the chicken: Begin by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in 1/2 cup of cornstarch until they’re well coated.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger (if using).
- Thicken the sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water). Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the pineapple chunks. Mix everything well so the chicken is thoroughly coated in the sauce and warmed all the way through.
- Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
Use fresh pineapple for brighter flavor.
For meal prep, store chicken and sauce separately for best texture.
Make it gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes Additional Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 28g