Get ready to fall in love with this unbelievably easy and utterly mouthwatering brown sugar pineapple chicken. Bursting with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, this crowd-pleaser is all about tender chicken baked in a luscious glaze of pineapple, brown sugar, and soy sauce. And here’s the magic moment you’ll keep coming back for: after a quick sizzle in the skillet, you just transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish and let the oven do the rest. Whether you’re pressed for time or just craving something cheerfully tropical, this recipe brings major “vacation vibes” to your dinner table, all with very little fuss.

Transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity meets crave-worthy flavor in this recipe. Each ingredient works in harmony, from the juicy pineapple chunks to the rich brown sugar, making every bite just pop with sweet-savory goodness. Here’s what you’ll need, plus why each one matters:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Go with boneless, skinless pieces for the juiciest, most satisfying texture; cut into chunks to soak up maximum flavor.
Pineapple Chunks (with juice): The sweet juice is essential for a vibrant, tangy sauce—don’t drain it!
Brown Sugar: Adds that caramelized sweetness; choose light for a milder flavor or dark for deeper undertones.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium for a salty kick that balances all the fruitiness and sweetness without going overboard.
Rice Vinegar: Just a splash makes everything bright and zesty, balancing all those rich flavors.
Ground or Fresh Ginger: A little warmth and zing goes a long way; grate it fresh for even more vibrancy if you have it.
Cornstarch: The secret to a silky, glossy glaze that clings beautifully to every nugget of chicken.
Olive Oil: For getting a gorgeous golden sear on your chicken before it bakes.
Garlic Powder: A dash of this aromatic makes a world of difference for depth of flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Always to taste—these basics let the other ingredients shine.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Crave heat? A sprinkle here adds just the right gentle kick.
Chopped Green Onions (Optional): An easy garnish for a burst of color and freshness right at the end.

How to Make Transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish

Step 1: Preheat and Grease Your Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of olive oil or a quick mist of cooking spray. This prep step promises easy cleanup later—and it ensures nothing sticks while the flavors meld and caramelize.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Grab your chicken chunks and toss them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Every bit of meat should get a light and even coating. This simple seasoning is the start of building layers of flavor right from the get-go.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken in a Skillet

Pour the olive oil into a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add your seasoned chicken, and brown for about 4 minutes, stirring halfway. You want each piece just golden on the outside, not cooked through—this step adds delicious flavor and gives your chicken a head start.

Step 4: Transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish

Now comes that key moment: using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish you prepared earlier. Spread it into an even layer, because soon, everything will be bathed in sweet, tangy sauce. The hot chicken will help kickstart the roasting and let all those juices mingle perfectly.

Step 5: Whisk the Pineapple Glaze

In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground or fresh ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk until everything is smooth and slightly thickened. This dreamy glaze is the heart of the dish—it’s what makes the chicken sticky, shiny, and irresistible.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake Covered

Pour the pineapple chunks—including all their sweet juice—over the chicken already waiting in your baking dish. Drizzle your pineapple glaze evenly over the top and give it all a gentle stir, being careful not to disturb those beautiful chicken pieces too much. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. The key step? Transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish before pouring anything on top, locking in moisture as everything cooks together.

Step 7: Caramelize Uncovered

Remove the foil and slip your dish back in the oven for another 5–10 minutes. This final blast gives the glaze a chance to bubble up, reduce, and caramelize, so you end up with glossy, golden chicken laced with bits of sweet pineapple in every bite.

Step 8: Rest and Garnish

Take your chicken out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or a few extra reserved pineapple chunks for freshness, color, and a little welcome crunch.

How to Serve Transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish

Garnishes

Nothing brightens up this meal quite like a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions over the top or a few extra pineapple bits. The sharp bite of the onion and the juicy splash of fruit add freshness and gorgeous color, turning your brown sugar pineapple chicken into a dish you’ll be proud to present.

Side Dishes

This dish is a superstar alongside bowls of fluffy jasmine rice, coconut rice, or even lightly stir-fried vegetables. The saucy glaze begs to be soaked up, and a bed of warm grains does the job perfectly. You could also pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted sweet potatoes if you want to keep things light and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions over steamed rice in pineapple boat halves (just hollow out a pineapple shell for a tropical wow factor). Or try threading chunks of Transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish onto skewers for party-ready bites. Even just serving it in shallow bowls with plenty of sauce and a scatter of brightly colored veggies makes for a stunning dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish leftovers will last up to four days in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container with their sauce to keep the meat moist and flavorful. The flavors deepen overnight, making for terrific next-day lunches!

Freezing

You can easily freeze this dish after baking—let everything cool, then transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish contents into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (with some sauce included). Freeze for up to three months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in the oven (covered) at 325°F until warmed through, or use the stovetop on low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the luscious glaze. Microwave works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway to keep everything evenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use about 2 cups of cubed fresh pineapple, and substitute with an equal amount of pineapple juice for the sauce. Fresh pineapple gives a slightly firmer texture, but both options are delicious.

Would this work with chicken wings or drumsticks?

Yes, though you’ll need to increase baking time for bone-in chicken. Make sure to brown as usual and transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish, then bake until the thickest part reaches 165°F. The sticky, sweet glaze works wonders with all cuts!

Is this dish spicy?

Not at all, unless you choose to add the red pepper flakes. The base recipe is sweet and savory, so feel free to sprinkle in as little or as much heat as you love.

Can I make Transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can brown the chicken and even assemble everything in the baking dish a few hours ahead. Just keep it chilled, then bake when ready. This makes for a great party or weekday meal-prep option.

What’s the best substitute for rice vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is the closest swap, offering a mild, tangy note. Avoid stronger vinegars like red or balsamic, as they can overpower the delicate sweet-savory balance that makes this dish so special.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to taste just how delicious Transfer the browned chicken to the baking dish turns out—every bite is packed with sweetness, tang, and a cozy dash of island flair. It’s easy enough for any weeknight but totally worthy of sharing with friends or family, so grab those ingredients and make this pineapple chicken magic a reality in your kitchen!