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