Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce with garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the pineapple chunks, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and ginger if using. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
- Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the pineapple softens and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If a thicker sauce is desired, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, then stir it into the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2 minutes to thicken.
- Combine and finish cooking: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the chicken, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the chicken absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve immediately with rice or vegetables.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or canned pineapple chunks based on availability.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
- The ginger is optional but adds a nice subtle spice to the sauce.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Serve with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
