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
Scale
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
