Skip to Content

5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

By: Author Jenna Margot

Posted on

5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Hey y'all! If you're craving a knockout dinner packed with sticky, sweet, and tangy flavors, this 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is about to become your new weeknight hero. The caramelized brown sugar and zingy pineapple juice create a mouthwatering glaze that keeps the chicken juicy and bursting with flavor, making every bite unforgettable. Whether you're cooking for family, meal prepping, or hosting friends, this one-pan wonder delivers perfection every single time. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, this meal requires minimal prep and cleanup.
  • Irresistible Flavors: The sweet brown sugar and tangy pineapple marry perfectly with savory chicken.
  • Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike rave about the tender, juicy chicken and sticky glaze.
  • Versatile: Serve it with rice, veggies, or even shred the chicken into tacos for a twist.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Leftovers taste even better, making it ideal for lunches or next-day dinners.

Ingredients for 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

How to Make 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden (do not cook through). Remove chicken to a plate.

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Stir, scraping any brown bits from the pan. Simmer 3 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Pour into skillet while stirring to prevent lumps. Cook 1-2 minutes, until sauce thickens.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

  1. Return the chicken breasts and pineapple chunks to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top.
  2. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste chicken halfway through for extra flavor.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

  1. Let chicken rest a few minutes. Top with green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve with extra sauce and your favorite sides!

5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Notes

  • Using an oven-safe skillet streamlines the recipe—no need to transfer to a baking dish.
  • For a deeper caramel note, try dark brown sugar in place of light. Check out this pineapple buying guide for choosing the best fruit.
  • Marinate chicken in half of the sauce for 30 minutes for extra flavor (just simmer the reserved marinade).
5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Variations on 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

  • Grilled Version: Sear chicken on a hot grill, then baste with sauce for sweet and smoky flavor.
  • Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Sheet Pan Method: Arrange everything on a sheet pan and roast for easy cleanup and batch-cooking.

Equipment Needed for 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

  • Large oven-safe skillet (or cast-iron pan)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and chef’s knife
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer

5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions for 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

  • Steamed jasmine or white rice
  • Roasted or stir-fried vegetables (like broccoli or bell peppers)
  • Fresh salad with a citrusy vinaigrette
  • Warm, crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce

5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Pro Tips

  • Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices and keep every bite succulent.
  • Sear chicken until golden for maximum flavor before baking. Learn more about searing techniques.
  • Use freshly grated ginger for a vibrant kick, or sub with ½ teaspoon ground ginger in a pinch.

5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully—just adjust baking time to about 22-25 minutes or until juices run clear.
Can I make 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken ahead?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Store cooked chicken and sauce separately and combine just before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be—just use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a delicious gluten-free dinner (see more on gluten-free swaps).
★★★★★ 4.60 from 189 ratings

5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

yield: 4 servings
prep: 15 mins
cook: 30 mins
total: 45 mins
Juicy chicken breasts caramelized with a sweet and tangy brown sugar pineapple glaze for a delicious, restaurant-worthy dinner the whole family will love.
5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (drained if canned)
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
  2. 2
    In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
  3. 3
    Arrange chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Scatter pineapple chunks evenly around the chicken.
  4. 4
    Pour the brown sugar mixture evenly over the chicken and pineapple.
  5. 5
    Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is bubbling. Baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through cooking.
  6. 6
    Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot with rice or steamed vegetables.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380cal
Protein: 34 gg
Fat: 8 gg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 42 gg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

Did you make this recipe?

Please consider Pinning it!!