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–+ servings
brown sugar pineapple chicken

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken for a Tropical Flavor Boost

This brown sugar pineapple chicken recipe blends savory chicken with sweet pineapple for a delicious dinner option.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Tropical
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts/Thighs Can substitute with tofu or tempeh for vegetarian option.
For the Marinade
  • 1 cup Pineapple Chunks Choose fresh or canned in juice.
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar Alternatives: white sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Use tamari for gluten-free option.
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced) Fresh garlic is preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (grated) Swap with ground ginger; adjust quantity.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be replaced with other neutral oils.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes (optional) Adjust based on spice tolerance.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice Fresh lime is recommended.
  • To taste Salt and Pepper Season to preference.
For Garnishing
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Can use parsley if cilantro is unavailable.

Equipment

  • grill
  • Oven
  • Slow Cooker
  • Mixing bowl
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and olive oil to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and ensure they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours.
  3. Decide on your preferred cooking method: preheat grill to medium-high, oven to 375°F (190°C), or prepare slow cooker.
  4. For grilling, cook the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, until juices run clear. For baking, cook for approximately 30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For slow cooking, cook on low for about 4 hours.
  5. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, add pineapple chunks to the chicken.
  6. Once cooked, taste and adjust flavors, adding lime juice or soy sauce as needed.
  7. Plate the chicken and spoon caramelized sauce over the top, garnishing with chopped cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Marinate for longer for deeper flavor. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Customize spice level to your preference.

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