Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work, but thighs stay juicier. Reduce cooking time slightly.

Can I bake Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken?

Absolutely. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, covering with sauce.

Can I make it healthier?

Reduce brown sugar, use low-sodium soy sauce, and pair with vegetables or whole grains.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes. Drain or reserve juice to enhance the sauce.

Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the glaze for a tropical kick.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken – Quick & Easy Family Dinner 2026

Name: Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained); ¾ cup pineapple juice; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water

Description

Sweet, savory, and irresistibly sticky, this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a quick and flavorful dinner made with juicy chicken thighs simmered in a rich brown sugar, garlic, soy, and pineapple glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this tropical-inspired dish pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6):

For the Chicken:

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Brown Sugar Pineapple Sauce:

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
¾ cup pineapple juice (reserved from can or fresh)
½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)

Optional garnish:
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Sear

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside (it will finish cooking in the sauce).

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Thicken

Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir into the sauce and simmer until thickened (2–3 minutes).

Step 5: Simmer Together

Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top.
Cover and simmer on medium-low for 10–15 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve over rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

✔ Baked Version:
Place seared chicken in a baking dish, pour sauce over top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.

✔ Healthier Option:
Reduce brown sugar to ⅓ cup and use low-sodium soy sauce.

✔ Spicy Twist:
Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.

✔ Make Ahead:
Sauce can be prepared 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Category: Main Course / Dinner
Method: Stovetop (or Baked Option)
Cuisine: American / Hawaiian-Inspired