Description
This Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken is a flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts simmered in a sweet, tangy, and spicy pineapple-based sauce. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this recipe combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple juice and brown sugar with the heat of sriracha and the brightness of lime, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (or to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking and Thickening
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (cornstarch slurry)
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lime juice until the sugar is dissolved and ingredients are well combined.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat the skillet and sear chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and nicely caramelized.
- Add the sauce and simmer: Pour the prepared sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally, until it is cooked through and tender.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and diced pineapple if using. Continue simmering for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred spice level for more or less heat.
- For a grilled variation, grill the chicken separately and use the pineapple sauce as a glaze or dipping sauce.
- Make sure to simmer the chicken gently to keep it tender and juicy.
