This Baked Chicken with Pineapple & Brown Sugar is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The tender chicken breasts are baked to perfection in a rich sauce made from juicy pineapple, brown sugar, and soy sauce, creating a sticky glaze that coats every bite. The combination of the tangy pineapple and the caramel-like sweetness of brown sugar brings out the best in the chicken, making it a family favorite that’s sure to be requested time and time again. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple slices, drained (reserve juice)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, reserved pineapple juice, ground ginger, and cornstarch. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Assemble the dish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some of the sauce over them, and arrange the pineapple slices on top of each chicken breast.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve with rice or your favorite side dish, spooning the sauce over the chicken.
Enjoy your Baked Chicken with Pineapple & Brown Sugar, a dish that balances sweet and savory in every delicious bite!
