Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken Fiesta Recipe
This flavorful dish combines the sweetness of pineapple and brown sugar with a spicy kick, perfect for a vibrant fiesta-style meal! Serve it with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Pineapple Brown Sugar Sauce:
- 1½ cups fresh or canned pineapple chunks (with juice)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce (adjust for heat level)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced red chili or jalapeño
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned.
- Transfer the seared chicken to a plate (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
- Make the Pineapple Brown Sugar Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the pineapple chunks (with a bit of juice), brown sugar, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, and lime juice. Stir well.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens slightly (about 1-2 minutes).
- Finish Cooking the Chicken:
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and spoon extra sauce over the top.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced red chili or jalapeño, and lime wedges.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed rice, tortillas, or quinoa.
- Pair with a fresh side salad, black beans, or roasted vegetables for a complete fiesta-style meal.
Enjoy your Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken Fiesta—it’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy!