Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Introduction

Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that pairs tender chicken with a luscious pineapple glaze. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or when you want a tropical twist on your meal.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into medium chunks)
• 1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz can, with juice, do not drain)
• 0.5 cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on flavor depth)
• 0.33 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning chicken)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Chopped green onions (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken chunks for about 4 minutes total, until golden but not fully cooked through.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch until smooth.
5. Step 5: Transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish. Pour pineapple chunks with their juice over the chicken, then drizzle the glaze on top. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Step 6: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens.
7. Step 7: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
8. Step 8: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or reserved pineapple chunks before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes while seasoning the chicken or stir them into the glaze.
• You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for more juicy, flavorful meat.
• Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. The sauce may thicken when chilled; add a splash of water when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple can be used. Make sure to include some juice or add a bit of water to the glaze to maintain the right consistency.

Is it necessary to brown the chicken first?

Browning the chicken adds extra flavor and texture but you can skip this step if you’re short on time; the dish will still be tasty after baking.

Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 93 reviews

Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delightful savory-sweet dish featuring tender, browned chicken pieces baked in a luscious pineapple glaze. The combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice creates a flavorful, tangy sauce balanced perfectly with a hint of ginger and garlic. Finished with a caramelized top and optional green onion garnish, this easy, oven-baked recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into medium chunks
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning chicken)

Pineapple Glaze

• 1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz can, with juice, do not drain)
• 0.5 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 0.33 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Optional Garnish

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Rest: Prepare your ingredients and kitchen for cooking to ensure a smooth process.
2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken chunks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly to enhance flavor.
4. Brown the Chicken in a Skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and brown for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden but not fully cooked through.
5. Whisk the Pineapple Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can (do not drain the pineapple chunks), rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
6. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the browned chicken pieces to the prepared baking dish. Pour the entire can of pineapple chunks with juice over the chicken. Drizzle the pineapple glaze over the top. Toss gently with a spatula or spoon to coat everything evenly without breaking the chicken pieces.
7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through fully (target internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and the sauce to thicken.
8. Caramelize Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes. This step caramelizes the glaze on the chicken, adding a rich golden color and deeper flavor.
9. Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped green onions and additional pineapple chunks if reserved. Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes for some heat before serving.

Notes

• If you prefer a spicier dish, add up to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes during the glaze whisking step.
• Use low sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of the dish.
• Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Brown the chicken just until golden; it will finish cooking in the oven to stay tender and juicy.
• For a gluten-free option, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.

Keywords: Pineapple chicken, sugar pineapple chicken, baked chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, pineapple glaze chicken