A delightful sweet and savory chicken dish that’s quick to prepare and bursting with tropical flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a tangy brown sugar pineapple sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening – see instructions)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or steamed vegetables, for serving
Preparation:
Get your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking. This will make the whole process flow smoothly.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better in the skillet. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron works great!) over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is nicely browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat slightly to medium-low. In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out – those browned bits add flavor!), add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Add the grated ginger (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly. The aroma should be intoxicating!
Step 4: Make the Pineapple Brown Sugar Sauce: Add the pineapple chunks, brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar to the skillet. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 5: Simmer and Thicken the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the pineapple softens slightly and the sauce begins to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the pineapple brown sugar sauce generously over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve immediately over cooked rice (such as jasmine or basmati) or with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or snow peas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of sweet pineapple, tangy apple cider vinegar, and savory soy sauce creates a delicious balance of flavors.
- Versatile: Can be adapted to your taste preferences – add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Appeals to both kids and adults.
- Healthy(ish): A great way to get your protein and fruit in one meal!
Suggested Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over fluffy jasmine rice for a classic pairing.
- Serve with quinoa or brown rice for a healthier option.
- Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or snow peas for a complete meal.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Tips:
- Browning the Chicken: Don’t skip the step of patting the chicken dry. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Also, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken.
- Pineapple Juice: You can add a splash (about 2 tablespoons) of pineapple juice to the sauce for an extra burst of pineapple flavor.
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Soy Sauce Alternatives: For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Marinating: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a little brown sugar for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before cooking.
- Pineapple: For best results when using canned pineapple, make sure you drain all of the juice as the excess liquid can cause a watered-down sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sodium: 500-700mg (depending on soy sauce)
Conclusion:
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a winning recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy!
Q&A:
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will result in a juicier and more flavorful dish due to their higher fat content. Cook them in the same way, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 175°F (79°C).
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A2: Yes, you can! Prepare the chicken and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also combine the chicken and sauce and let them simmer for a while.
Q3: I don’t have apple cider vinegar. Can I use another type of vinegar? A3: Yes, you can substitute with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar. However, apple cider vinegar adds a unique tang that complements the sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar. If you only have white vinegar, use it sparingly as it has a more intense flavor.
Q4: My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it without using cornstarch? A4: You can let the sauce simmer for a longer period of time, allowing it to reduce and thicken naturally. Alternatively, you can mash some of the pineapple chunks to release their starches, which will help thicken the sauce.
Q5: Can I add other vegetables to this dish? A5: Definitely! Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), onions, and carrots are great additions. Sauté them in the skillet before adding the garlic and ginger. Other options include snap peas, water chestnuts, or even bok choy. Add vegetables into the sauce to allow for a more flavorful and complete dish!
