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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

5.1 from 26 reviews

A flavorful Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy glaze made from brown sugar, pineapple, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, bringing a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tropical flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned)
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well mixed.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. Make the Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the chicken and bring to a simmer. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken nicely.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chicken to plates, spoon the pineapple sauce over the top, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with your choice of sides like rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for best flavor, marinate for 2 hours or overnight.
  • You can use canned pineapple chunks if fresh is not available, but drain excess juice to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
  • Adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the brown sugar based on your preference.
  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Serve with steamed rice or quinoa to complement the sweet and savory flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, sweet and savory chicken, pineapple chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, Asian-inspired chicken recipe