Description
Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken is a deliciously balanced dish combining sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Tender chicken thighs or breasts are seared and then simmered in a tangy glaze made with pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes or hot sauce, resulting in a flavorful main course perfect for serving over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Spicy Pineapple Sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- â…“ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½–1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs or breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown, creating a flavorful crust.
- Simmer in Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the prepared sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cooked through and tender, allowing the sauce to infuse into the meat.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, stir the cornstarch slurry into the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Keep the skillet uncovered and simmer until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the chicken with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve the flavorful chicken hot over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside grilled pineapple slices for a complete meal.
Notes
- Canned pineapple juice works well if fresh juice is unavailable, but fresh juice enhances the flavor significantly.
- For a smoky variation, grill the chicken separately and reduce the sauce in a saucepan before combining.
- Leftovers reheat nicely and can be repurposed in wraps, rice bowls, or salads for quick meals.
