Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s equal parts sweet, spicy, and savory, you’re about to fall in love with Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken. This dish is an explosion of flavor: juicy chicken thighs simmered in a glossy sauce made with pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and just the right amount of heat. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, the pineapple chunks add bursts of tropical brightness, and every bite is irresistibly tender. Whether you’re looking to impress friends at a dinner party or shake up your weeknight dinner routine, Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken is about to become your new go-to recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is that it relies on a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a key role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture. From the sweet tang of pineapple juice to the gentle heat of sriracha, every element is essential for that perfect bite.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless for maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken and developing a flavorful golden crust.
- Pineapple juice: Adds tropical sweetness and helps tenderize the meat.
- Brown sugar (packed): Caramelizes into a rich, sticky glaze that balances the heat.
- Soy sauce: Brings the perfect salty, umami backbone to the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: Its brightness cuts through the sweetness for a balanced finish.
- Sriracha: Adds a customizable kick of heat—use more or less to suit your spice tolerance.
- Garlic (minced): Provides aromatic depth and savory flavor.
- Grated fresh ginger: Lends warmth and zingy freshness to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes: For extra heat and a touch of visual flair.
- Pineapple chunks: Juicy bites that burst with sweetness in every mouthful.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (optional): For a thicker, glossy sauce if you love extra cling on your chicken.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish): Add fresh crunch and a pop of color right before serving.
How to Make Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken Thighs
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous, caramelized golden brown crust. This step locks in the juices and gives the chicken a flavor-packed exterior that holds up beautifully to the sweet and spicy sauce.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce
While the chicken is working its magic in the skillet, grab a small bowl and whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. This vibrant mixture is the secret to Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken’s irresistible taste—a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, salty, and spicy.
Step 3: Simmer With Pineapple Chunks
Pour the sauce over the browned chicken in the skillet, making sure every piece gets nicely coated. Scatter the pineapple chunks around the chicken, then bring the whole pan to a gentle simmer. Cover, reduce the heat, and let everything cook for 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and soaks up all the flavors of the sauce.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you like your sauce on the thicker side, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer uncovered for another 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce turns glossy and clings beautifully to every piece of chicken—perfect for spooning over rice or soaking up with bread.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is just how you like it, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top. These little finishing touches add crunch, color, and a burst of freshness that make Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken truly restaurant-worthy.
How to Serve Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes! A generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds not only adds visual appeal but also layers on fresh flavor and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a few rings of fresh red chili or a handful of chopped cilantro for an extra pop of color and zing.
Side Dishes
Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken is absolutely made for soaking up with fluffy steamed jasmine rice—it catches every last drop of that addictive sauce. You could also serve it with coconut rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp Asian slaw if you want to add extra crunch and lightness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of sautéed greens or spoon it into lettuce wraps for a fresh, hand-held dinner. If you’re entertaining, plate the chicken family-style and let everyone help themselves, or skewer chunks of chicken and pineapple for a playful party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an even more satisfying meal the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice if the sauce needs loosening. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between to make sure everything heats evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken, though you may want to reduce the simmering time slightly to keep them from drying out. The result will be a little leaner but just as flavorful.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is totally up to you. As written, it’s got a gentle kick, but you can dial it up or down by adjusting the sriracha and red pepper flakes. For a milder version, simply reduce or omit both.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
If you love a thick, glossy sauce for your Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken, the cornstarch slurry is your best friend. Just stir it in near the end and simmer a few minutes—watch the sauce transform right before your eyes!
Can I make this dish ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, store in the fridge, and gently reheat just before serving. In fact, letting it sit overnight gives the flavors even more time to mingle.
Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes! Just swap the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else in Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken is naturally gluten-free, making this an easy choice for everyone at the table.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dish that packs bold flavor without a lot of fuss, give Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken a try. It’s the kind of recipe that turns any night into a special occasion—and once you taste that sweet, spicy, sticky sauce, you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken features tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and tangy pineapple brown sugar sauce with a kick of sriracha and ginger. Perfectly balanced with savory soy sauce and a hint of heat, this Asian-inspired stovetop recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it a flavorful main course for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Additional Ingredients
- ½ cup pineapple chunks
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs and sear each side for 3–4 minutes until they are nicely browned.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes until fully combined.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. Add pineapple chunks, bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) into the skillet. Simmer uncovered for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy this flavorful dish with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a milder version, reduce or omit the sriracha and red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts if preferred, but cooking time may vary slightly.
- To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking (optional).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
