Crispy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken – Better Than Takeout

Crispy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a better-than-takeout recipe that’s juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to the perfect glaze. Keep reading for my best tips and jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini and Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls.

What You'll Need for Crispy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken – Better Than Takeout

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Optional: Green onions, chopped
• Optional: Sesame seeds
• Optional: Red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Crispy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken – Better Than Takeout

1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add pineapple chunks (with juice), brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Add the mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat both sides with the pineapple glaze. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is well coated and the glaze has thickened.
6. Step 6: Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and additional red pepper flakes (if using). Serve hot and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating Crispy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken – Better Than Takeout

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can make the pineapple glaze up to 2 days ahead of time. Assemble and cook the chicken just before serving.

Freezing Crispy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken – Better Than Takeout

Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. The texture may be slightly different from the original.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
• Best substitution: You can substitute the pineapple chunks with diced peaches or apricots for a different flavor profile.
• Make-ahead: You can marinate the chicken in the seasonings and flavors overnight for even more flavor.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If the sauce isn't thickening, try adding a bit more cornstarch mixed with water. If it's too thick, add a bit more water or pineapple juice.

Crispy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken – Better Than Takeout

⏱

Prep

15 mins

🍳

Cook

25 mins

⏳

Total

40 mins

🍽

Serves

4 servings

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water

Seasonings

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Toppings

• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add pineapple chunks (with juice), brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Add the mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat both sides with the pineapple glaze. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is well coated and the glaze has thickened.
6. Step 6: Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and additional red pepper flakes (if using). Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Chef tip: For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
• Best substitution: You can substitute the pineapple chunks with diced peaches or apricots for a different flavor profile.
• Make-ahead: You can marinate the chicken in the seasonings and flavors overnight for even more flavor.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If the sauce isn't thickening, try adding a bit more cornstarch mixed with water. If it's too thick, add a bit more water or pineapple juice.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. The texture may be slightly different from the original.
• Make ahead: You can make the pineapple glaze up to 2 days ahead of time. Assemble and cook the chicken just before serving.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbs: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sat. Fat: 2g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Crispy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken – Better Than Takeout FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken – Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!