brown sugar pineapple chicken Recipe
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe combines the sweetness of brown sugar and pineapple with the savory depth of soy sauce and garlic, creating a deliciously balanced and tender chicken dish. Perfect for grilling, baking, or slow cooking, it’s a flavorful meal that’s both easy to prepare and delightful to eat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (grilling or baking), or 4-5 hours (slow cooking)
- Total Time: 40 minutes (grilling or baking), or up to 5 hours (slow cooking)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Marinating, Grilling, Baking, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Fusion/American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Marinade
- 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
Other
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, olive oil, and chili flakes if using. Pour this marinade over the chicken breasts or thighs, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors properly; marinating up to 2 hours in the refrigerator is ideal for a deeper taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Choose your cooking method:
Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the leftover marinade to keep it moist. Add pineapple slices to the grill alongside the chicken for a smoky caramelized flavor.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish, pour any remaining marinade and pineapple chunks over the top. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Slow Cooking: Place the chicken and pineapple chunks in a slow cooker, pour the marinade over them, cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with flavor. - Serve: Garnish the cooked chicken with fresh cilantro. Serve it hot alongside steamed rice or your favorite grilled vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marination is Key: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, and up to 2 hours in the fridge for richer flavor absorption.
- Cooking Method Matters: Select grilling for a smoky flavor, baking for convenience, or slow cooking for tender, fall-apart chicken. Each yields a delicious but distinct texture.
- Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the sauce by adding extra lime juice or soy sauce if it tastes too sweet. For extra heat, incorporate chili flakes or a dash of sriracha.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and pineapple
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: brown sugar chicken, pineapple chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, grilled chicken, baked chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy dinner ideas
Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/brown-sugar-pineapple-chicken-recipe/
