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Caramelized Brown Sugar Chicken with Pineapple

Juicy chicken thighs and pineapple chunks simmered in a glossy sweet-savory brown sugar glaze. This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is fast, flavorful, and perfect served over rice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
Brown Sugar Glaze
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 Tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 Tbsp water
Finish
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
  • Red pepper flakes to taste

Method
 

  1. Toss chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 Tbsp cornstarch.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden, then remove.
  3. In the same skillet, whisk brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
  4. Stir in garlic and ginger. Simmer until fragrant.
  5. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until the glaze turns glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet and add pineapple chunks. Simmer until chicken is cooked through and coated well.
  7. Rest 2 minutes. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes.

Notes

Chicken should reach 165°F before serving.
If glaze gets too thick, loosen with a splash of water.
Serve over rice for a full meal.