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brown sugar pineapple chicken

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

This brown sugar pineapple chicken is a versatile and flavorful weeknight meal that delivers a huge burst of flavor without a lot of effort. The combination of sweet, sticky brown sugar and tangy pineapple creates an irresistible sauce, coating every piece of juicy chicken in a delicious glaze. It's an easy-to-make dish that can be baked, grilled, or slow-cooked, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice, not syrup)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • whisk
  • Baking dish
  • Grill
  • Slow cooker
  • small saucepan

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, chili flakes (if using), and lime juice to create the glaze.
  2. Season the chicken pieces with a little salt and pepper.
  3. Choose your cooking method. For Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place seasoned chicken in a baking dish. Pour about two-thirds of the marinade over the chicken and scatter the pineapple chunks around. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush with the remaining marinade in the last 5 minutes.
  4. Alternate Method - Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high. Reserve half of the marinade for basting. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, basting with the reserved, unused marinade during the last few minutes. Grill pineapple chunks for 1-2 minutes per side.
  5. Alternate Method - Slow Cooking: Place chicken and pineapple chunks in your slow cooker. Pour the entire marinade over the top. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
  6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh pineapple, ginger, and garlic. If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it in a saucepan for 5-10 minutes or by adding a cornstarch slurry. This recipe also works well with chicken thighs, pork chops, or salmon. You can add vegetables like bell peppers and red onion to make it a one-pan meal. The chicken can be marinated for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.