why make this recipe
Easy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delightful recipe that brings the sweet and savory flavors together in just 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The sticky glaze made with brown sugar and crushed pineapple coats the chicken beautifully, making it a dish everyone will love. Plus, it’s quick to make, which means you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
how to make Easy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (Use breasts if you prefer, but reduce the cooking time slightly!)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar (This is the key to the sticky glaze!)
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple (undrained; we need that juice for the sauce!)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (Adds savory depth to balance the sweet.)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
This is the first step, darling! Lay out the chicken thighs and have your little helper sprinkle them generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Seasoning early makes all the difference!
Heat the vegetable oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering, add the chicken thighs. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until they are a beautiful golden brown. This initial sear locks in the flavor! Remove them and set them aside on a clean plate.
In that same skillet (don’t clean it; those little brown bits add flavor!), melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the ketchup and packed light brown sugar. My little Olivia loves measuring the brown sugar; it’s a fun texture job!
Now, pour in the entire can of crushed pineapple (juice and all!). Whisk in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Stir it well and let it come to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for 2 to 3 minutes; you’ll see it start to thicken slightly.
Carefully return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet. Use a spoon to drizzle that beautiful, sticky sauce right over the top of each piece. This is the moment the magic happens!
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let everything cook together for 10 to 12 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking, and the sauce will thicken into that irresistible glaze. Make sure the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Serve this gorgeous Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken immediately over fluffy white rice. Don’t forget Adam’s tip: double the sauce for extra rice drizzling!
how to serve Easy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Serve Easy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice. You can also add steamed vegetables or a simple salad on the side for a complete meal. This dish is great for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
how to store Easy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a skillet over low heat or the microwave until warmed through. The flavors will continue to blend, making it even tastier!
tips to make Easy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the salt, pepper, and a bit of soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you want a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Consider using fresh pineapple instead of canned for a brighter flavor, but make sure to adjust the cooking time.
variation
You can easily swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent drying out the meat. For a vegetarian option, try using firm tofu instead of chicken, and sauté until golden brown.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of crushed pineapple?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Just chop it into small pieces and use the juice from the pineapple as well!
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make it healthier, you can use skinless chicken breast instead of thighs and reduce the amount of brown sugar. Using low-sugar ketchup can also help.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover chicken in an airtight container. It will stay good for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Easy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 to 8 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs Use breasts if you prefer, but reduce the cooking time slightly.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar This is the key to the sticky glaze!
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple (undrained) We need that juice for the sauce!
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Adds savory depth to balance the sweet.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Preparation
- Lay out the chicken thighs and season them generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Cooking
- In the skillet, melt the unsalted butter and stir in the ketchup and brown sugar.
- Pour in the crushed pineapple (juice included) and whisk in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, drizzling the sticky sauce over each piece.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
