Description
Achieve sticky, caramelized perfection! This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken balances salty soy sauce with rich sweetness and bright pineapple chunks. Quick skillet cooking for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, undrained
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides, but not necessarily cooked through.
- Step 3: Pour the brown sugar/soy sauce mixture and the entire can of pineapple chunks (including the juice) into the skillet with the chicken. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: While the sauce simmers, in a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until a smooth slurry is formed. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce and stir continuously.
- Step 5: Continue to simmer, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; if the sauce becomes too thick when chilled, thin it slightly with a splash of water or extra pineapple juice upon reheating.
- For best results, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat rather than the microwave, which helps maintain the chicken's tenderness and prevents the sauce from becoming gluey.
- Ensure your skillet is truly hot during Step 2; properly searing the chicken before adding the sauce is critical for developing the savory, deeper flavors that balance the sweetness.
- Balance the rich brown sugar sauce by serving the chicken over fluffy jasmine rice and finishing the plate with a garnish of toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (chicken and sauce mixture)
- Calories: 310
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 28g