Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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. - 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
Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/brown-sugar-pineapple-chicken-recipe/
