Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Brown sugar pineapple chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that brings a tropical twist to your dinner table. This versatile recipe works well grilled, baked, or slow-cooked, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy tender chicken infused with a tangy marinade and juicy pineapple.

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, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and olive oil to make the marinade. Pour it over the chicken, then let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Choose your cooking method:
   1. Grilling: Preheat the grill and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, basting with extra marinade. Grill pineapple slices alongside for added smoky flavor.
   2. Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, pour marinade and pineapple chunks over the top, and bake for 30 minutes.
   3. Slow Cooking: Add chicken and pineapple to a slow cooker, pour marinade over, and cook on low for 4-5 hours until tender.
3. Step 3: Garnish the cooked chicken with fresh cilantro. Serve with steamed rice or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• Marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
• Add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
• If the sauce tastes too sweet, balance it with extra lime juice or soy sauce.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to keep the chicken tender and avoid drying out. This dish does not freeze well due to the pineapple’s texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple chunks?

Yes, frozen pineapple works well. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before using to avoid making the marinade too watery.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating is essential to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish. At least 30 minutes is recommended.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 82 reviews

A deliciously sweet and tangy brown sugar pineapple chicken recipe featuring tender chicken marinated in a blend of brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and lime juice. This versatile dish can be grilled for a smoky char, baked for convenience, or slow-cooked to achieve melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Served best with fresh cilantro garnish and accompanied by steamed rice or grilled vegetables.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (baking) / 16 minutes (grilling) / 4-5 hours (slow cooking)
• Total Time: 45 minutes to 5 hours (depending on cooking method)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling, Baking, Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American with Asian-inspired flavors

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 Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, lime juice, olive oil, and chili flakes if using. Stir well until the sugar dissolves. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more intense flavor absorption.
2. Cook the Chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method:
   – Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, basting occasionally with the leftover marinade to keep it moist. Add pineapple slices alongside the chicken on the grill to develop a smoky, caramelized flavor.
   – Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken into a baking dish and arrange pineapple chunks on top and around the chicken. Pour any remaining marinade over the dish. Bake uncovered for approximately 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
   – Slow Cooking: Place the chicken pieces and pineapple chunks into a slow cooker. Pour the marinade evenly over the top. Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with the sweet and tangy flavors.
3. Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to plates and garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Marination is Key: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the sweet and tangy flavors. For deeper flavor penetration, marinate up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
• Cooking Method Matters: Select your cooking technique based on preferred texture and convenience. Grilling imparts a smoky char, baking offers an easy hands-off approach, while slow cooking delivers tender, juicy meat.
• Balance the Sweetness: If the sauce is too sweet, adjust by adding lime juice or soy sauce to taste. For additional heat, incorporate chili flakes or a splash of sriracha.

Keywords: brown sugar pineapple chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, grilled pineapple chicken, baked pineapple chicken, slow cooker chicken recipe