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brown sugar pineapple chicken

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken: A Sweet Tropical Feast

This brown sugar pineapple chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Tropical
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Breasts or Thighs Swap for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Pineapple Chunks Fresh or canned works well, can substitute with mango or papaya.
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar Feel free to replace with white sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Enhances umami flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Use fresh for best flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (grated) Ground ginger may be used but in smaller quantity.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can swap with any neutral oil.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Chili Flakes Optional, adjust based on spice tolerance.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice Lemon juice is a suitable substitute.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Adjust to personal taste.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro For garnish; omit if not preferred.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Oven
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and olive oil until well combined. Add the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F) or your oven to 375°F.
  3. For grilling, cook the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. For baking, arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
  4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple chunks and any remaining marinade. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens.
  5. Taste the sauce and adjust flavors as needed. Add lime juice or soy sauce to balance sweetness, or chili flakes for heat.
  6. Drizzle the cooked chicken with the pineapple sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or your favorite salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Marinate the chicken for optimal flavor penetration. Experiment with spice levels according to preference.

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