Name: Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken – Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup pineapple chunks (with juice); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that combines sweet and savory in the best way. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is a must-try for fans of easy chicken recipes. It’s also a hit if you’re into Hamburger Recipe ideas, easy dinner recipes in crockpot, Indian Chicken Recipes Healthy options, or even experimenting with easy vegan dinner recipes healthy meals for your family. If you love discovering easy friendship bread recipes and need more easy dinner recipes healthy chicken style, this one’s a keeper!

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
3) Ingredients for Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
4) How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
5) Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
6) Making Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
8) Try these dinners next!
9) Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This sweet and savory chicken dinner is easy to make in under 40 minutes.
Perfect balance of brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple for bold flavor.
Ideal for meal prep and storing for busy weeknights.
Includes flexible ingredient options and garnishes to suit your taste.

2) Easy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Looking for easy chicken recipes that don’t take hours to prep but still taste like you’ve spent time in the kitchen? This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken from Elena Cooks hits all the right notes. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a sweet and savory dish on the table that feels like something straight from a tropical getaway. The recipe uses everyday pantry staples, so you won’t be running out to the store for exotic ingredients. What makes this dish shine is the harmony between juicy pineapple chunks and a rich brown sugar glaze. Whether you’re a fan of the Hamburger Recipe variety or love a good twist like Indian Chicken Recipes Healthy style, this recipe satisfies your cravings without the hassle. Try this as part of your easy dinner recipes healthy chicken routine and bring some fun back to weeknight meals.

3) Ingredients for Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These cook quickly and stay tender and juicy, making them ideal for skillet meals like this one.

Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and building flavor right from the start.

Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken to get that beautiful golden crust on the outside.

Pineapple chunks with juice: The star ingredient that adds a sweet, tangy flavor and helps create a delicious glaze.

Brown sugar: Provides deep caramel notes that blend beautifully with the pineapple and soy sauce.

Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds savory umami and balances out the sweetness of the pineapple and sugar.

Garlic powder: A simple way to inject some extra depth and a mild garlicky flavor into the sauce.

Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat to offset the sweetness if you prefer a bit of spice.

Cornstarch: Mixed with water, this helps thicken the sauce into a luscious glaze that clings to the chicken.

Water: Used to activate the cornstarch and adjust the sauce consistency.

Green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Add color, crunch, and a final layer of fresh flavor to the dish.

4) How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. This helps lock in the flavor before cooking begins and sets the tone for a well-balanced dish.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re not looking to cook it through here; just lock in that exterior flavor.

Step 3: In a bowl, combine the pineapple juice from the can, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well mixed.

Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Add in the pineapple chunks. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Mix the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the skillet and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a glaze consistency.

Step 6: Optional: Garnish the chicken with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an added layer of color and texture before serving over steamed rice or vegetables.

5) Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Always pat your chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing. This ensures a crispy golden crust and prevents the meat from steaming in the pan. If you’re watching sodium intake, use reduced-sodium soy sauce and opt for unsweetened pineapple chunks. Want more heat? Increase the red pepper flakes or toss in some diced jalapeño with the sauce. This recipe works great with chicken breasts too—just be sure to adjust the cooking time so they don’t dry out. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in half the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. It’ll help the meat absorb more of the pineapple-soy blend. To elevate your presentation, try serving this dish in hollowed-out pineapple halves. It’s perfect for entertaining and makes for an unforgettable dinner table centerpiece that still checks all the boxes for easy chicken recipes.

6) Making Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Ahead of Time

This recipe is incredibly convenient for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and sauce up to three days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen the sauce if needed. If you’re making this for a party or family dinner, you can double the batch without any problem. Just use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches. This is also an ideal recipe for freezer prep—just freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for a stress-free dinner. This method works well whether you’re into easy dinner recipes in crockpot or stovetop-only meals. It’s one of those go-to dishes you’ll want to keep in rotation because it makes busy nights so much easier.

7) Storing Leftover Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Leftovers? No problem. This dish stores well in the fridge for up to four days. Use an airtight container to keep the flavors intact and prevent any unwanted fridge odors from seeping in. When reheating, use a non-stick skillet or microwave-safe dish and heat slowly to prevent the chicken from drying out. Add a little extra pineapple juice or water to refresh the glaze. This chicken is also fantastic served cold over salads or wrapped in lettuce for a lighter next-day meal. If you’re planning to freeze it, the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but a quick stir on the stove brings it right back. Whether you’re new to easy chicken recipes or a seasoned meal planner, this recipe’s flexibility makes it a top pick for both casual dinners and weekly prep.

8) Try these dinners next!

9) Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken