Description
This incredible Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory caramelized glaze. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s bursting with tropical flavor.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp high smoke point oil (vegetable, canola, or grapeseed)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (or chunks), drained, juice reserved
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat, chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- 2. Sear Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- 3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4. Make Glaze: Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, and reserved pineapple juice. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- 5. Simmer Chicken: Return seared chicken to the pan. Add drained pineapple chunks. Stir to coat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- 6. Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water to form a slurry. Stir slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- 7. Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with green onions if desired. Serve immediately over rice.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins