Name: Delicious Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5-2 lbs); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or vegetable); 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 cup water (for sauce); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry); 1 (15-ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained (or 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks); Optional garnishes: chopped scallions, fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds

Description

Learn how to make the best Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken with this easy to follow, step-by-step recipe. Get the best flavor with perfectly seared chicken and a sweet, savory, and tangy glaze.

Ingredients

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5–2 lbs)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup water (for sauce)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
1 (15-ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained (or 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks)
Optional garnishes: chopped scallions, fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs very dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-8 minutes until deeply golden and crispy. Flip and sear for another 2-3 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside, reserving drippings.
Whisk the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and 1/4 cup water. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to form a slurry.
Simmer to Perfection: Return skillet to medium heat. Pour brown sugar mixture into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up browned bits. Stir in cornstarch slurry and whisk constantly until sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
Add Pineapple & Chicken: Add pineapple chunks (and a splash of their juice if using canned) to the sauce. Return seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nesting them in the sauce. Spoon sauce over chicken.
Finish Cooking: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Let chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with scallions, cilantro, or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins