Description
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken features succulent poultry marinated in a savory-sweet glaze of dark brown sugar, soy sauce, aromatic garlic, and fresh ginger. The pineapple plays a dual role, offering a vibrant tropical sweetness while its natural enzymes gently tenderize the meat for a perfect texture. It is a foolproof, restaurant-quality meal that is simple enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for a weekend gathering, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys every bite of the glossy, caramelized sauce.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Green onions for garnish
Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to create the marinade.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to low and allow the sauce to thicken slightly for 5-8 minutes.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the chicken perfectly.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Ensure you use fresh pineapple if possible for the best enzymatic tenderizing effect. If using canned pineapple, reduce the sugar slightly as it may already be in syrup. For a deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate in half of the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Meals
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Fusion