Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Brown sugar pineapple chicken offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that brighten up any meal. This versatile dish can be grilled, baked, or slow-cooked, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for spice)
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and olive oil to create the marinade. Pour the marinade over the chicken and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Step 2: Choose your cooking method:
   1. Grilling: Preheat the grill and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, basting occasionally with marinade. Add pineapple slices to the grill for a smoky touch.
   2. Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, pour marinade and pineapple chunks over it, and bake for 30 minutes.
   3. Slow Cooking: Place chicken and pineapple in a slow cooker, pour the marinade over, and cook on low for 4-5 hours until tender.
3. Step 3: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Pair with steamed rice or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
• Adjust sweetness by adding extra lime juice or soy sauce to balance the glaze.
• Add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to introduce a spicy kick.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to maintain moisture. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple for this recipe?

Yes, frozen pineapple works well. Thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the marinade or cooking.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps infuse the chicken with flavor and tenderizes the meat, but if short on time, even 15-20 minutes will still enhance the dish.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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5 from 111 reviews

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors featuring tender chicken marinated in brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and tropical pineapple chunks. It offers versatile cooking options including grilling, baking, or slow cooking, allowing you to create a juicy, flavorful dish perfect for any meal.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (baking) / 15-16 minutes (grilling) / 4-5 hours (slow cooking)
• Total Time: 40 minutes (baking) / 26 minutes (grilling) / 4 hours 10 minutes (slow cooking)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Grilling, Baking, Slow Cooking (Primary Method: Baking)
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for spice)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, olive oil, and optional chili flakes. Pour this mixture over the chicken breasts or thighs, ensuring all pieces are fully coated. Cover and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
2. Cook the Chicken: Choose one of the following cooking methods:
   • Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, brushing frequently with leftover marinade to keep it moist. Grill pineapple slices alongside the chicken for a smoky, caramelized flavor.
   • Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish, pour marinade and pineapple chunks over the top, and bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
   • Slow Cooking: Place chicken breasts or thighs and pineapple chunks in a slow cooker. Pour marinade over the top and cook on low for 4-5 hours until chicken is tender and infused with flavor.
3. Serve: Once cooked, garnish the chicken with fresh cilantro to add brightness. Serve with steamed rice or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.

Notes

• Marination is Key: Allow the chicken to marinate at least 30 minutes to absorb the sweet and tangy flavors fully. For an even richer taste, extend marination up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
• Cooking Method Matters: Select grilling for a smoky char, baking for an easy hands-off approach, or slow cooking for extra tender meat. Each technique offers a distinct texture and flavor profile.
• Balance the Sweetness: If the sauce turns out too sweet, balance with additional lime juice or soy sauce. For those who enjoy heat, adding chili flakes or a dash of sriracha enhances the dish with a spicy kick.

Keywords: brown sugar chicken, pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, grilled pineapple chicken, baked pineapple chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy chicken recipe, tropical chicken dish