Description
Succulent brown sugar pineapple chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your taste buds. Tender chicken pieces caramelize beautifully with tropical pineapple and rich brown sugar, creating a simple yet delicious dinner your family will devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Sweet Component:
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice (100% juice preferred)
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using skillet method)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks or rings (drained if canned)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm your oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Generously sprinkle 4 chicken breasts with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper on both sides.
- Grab a medium bowl and vigorously whisk 1 cup pineapple juice, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic until completely combined.
- Arrange seasoned chicken in the prepared baking dish and carefully pour the entire glaze mixture over the meat.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, using a basting brush to coat chicken with sauce halfway through cooking.
- If using pineapple chunks, scatter 1 cup of drained fruit around the chicken during the final 10 minutes of baking.
- Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then drizzle remaining pan sauce over the top before serving.
- Optionally garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Always use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165F for safe cooking.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps redistribute juices, keeping the meat tender and moist.
- Searing the chicken first in a skillet creates a delicious golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor.
- For a lighter version, swap brown sugar with honey or use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce calories.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (baked) or 20-25 minutes (skillet)
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 335 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg