Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is one of those magical dinners that feels special but takes almost no effort. Sweet caramelized brown sugar, juicy pineapple, and savory soy sauce come together to coat tender chicken in a sticky, glossy glaze that tastes like a tropical getaway — no passport required.
If you’re craving a sweet and tangy chicken dinner that’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation. It’s bold, comforting, family-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
This dish checks all the right boxes:
- Quick & easy: Ready in under an hour
- Big flavor: Sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced
- One-dish meal: Less cleanup, more relaxing
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters love it
- Versatile: Serve with rice, noodles, or veggies
It’s the kind of recipe that smells incredible while baking and tastes even better the next day.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
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👩🍳 Author: Amanda Thompson
⏱ Total Time: 50 minutes
🍽 Yield: 4 servings
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a Hawaiian-inspired baked dish featuring juicy chicken and pineapple chunks coated in a sticky brown sugar soy glaze. Sweet, tangy, and deeply satisfying, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks with juice (do not drain)
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tbsp freshly grated)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped green onions (optional garnish)
How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Season the Chicken
Place chicken pieces in a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss until evenly coated.
3. Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally. This step locks in flavor.
4. Make the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Brown sugar
- Soy sauce
- Pineapple juice (from the can)
- Rice vinegar
- Ginger
- Cornstarch
Whisk until smooth and lump-free.
5. Assemble & Bake
Transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish. Add pineapple chunks and pour the glaze evenly over everything. Stir gently to coat.
Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes.
6. Caramelize
Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for 5–10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and caramelize.
7. Rest & Serve
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- Chicken thighs = juicier, but breasts work great for a leaner option
- The sauce thickens as it cools, so don’t panic if it looks thin at first
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness
- No rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar works perfectly
- This recipe is meal-prep friendly and tastes even better the next day
What to Serve with Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
This sweet and tangy chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice
- Asian-style noodles with sesame oil
- Roasted or grilled vegetables
- Fresh pineapple or cabbage slaw
For a restaurant-style finish, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.
Storage & Reheating
To store:
Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To freeze:
Freeze with sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
To reheat:
Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of water if needed.
FAQs About Pineapple Chicken
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes! Just add about ½ cup pineapple juice or water to replace the canned juice.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
Is this dish spicy?
Not at all — unless you add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
What can I do with leftovers?
Serve over rice, in lettuce wraps, or inside flatbread for an easy lunch.
