Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, undrained
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cut chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the undrained pineapple chunks, brown sugar, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 3: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the pineapple sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb some of the sauce flavors.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce in the skillet, stirring continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Serve hot.
Notes
- Leftovers are fantastic; just store any remaining chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much, until heated through.
- Serve this flavorful Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, perhaps with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas to add a fresh green touch.
- For the most tender chicken, be careful not to overcook the pieces in Step 1; they will finish cooking and absorb flavors during the simmering stage in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx 340g)
- Calories: 520
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 48g