Craving a dish that’s both sweet and savory? Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is your answer! This flavorful and easy recipe combines tender chicken thighs with juicy pineapple and a rich brown sugar glaze. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Join me as I guide you step by step to create this mouthwatering meal in no time. Let’s dive in and savor every bite together!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
Additional Flavorings
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
Seasoning and Garnish
– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
– Sesame seeds (for garnish)
To make tasty Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, gather these simple ingredients. The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender. Fresh pineapple adds a sweet twist. Packed brown sugar gives it a rich flavor, while soy sauce adds a savory depth.
For flavor, use olive oil to cook the chicken. Minced garlic and fresh ginger boost the taste even more. Season with ground black pepper and salt for balance. Finally, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a touch of crunch and color.
Follow the [Full Recipe] to bring all these ingredients together. Enjoy making this delightful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
– Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until the sugar mostly dissolves. This marinade packs in lots of flavor.
– Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure every piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
Cooking Method
– Preheat the cooking surface: While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, letting it heat until it shimmers.
– Cook the chicken and pineapple: Remove the chicken from the marinade. Let excess liquid drip off and save the marinade for later. Place the chicken in the hot grill or skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it reaches 165°F (75°C). The outside should look brown and caramelized. Add fresh pineapple chunks to the grill or skillet in the last few minutes. Cook until they caramelize, about 3-4 minutes.
Finishing Touches
– Thicken the marinade: While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then lower to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
– Garnish and serve: Once the chicken is done, drizzle the thickened marinade over the chicken and pineapple. Transfer to a serving platter. Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finish.
This recipe makes a tasty and vibrant dish that looks as good as it tastes. For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Tips & Tricks
Marinating Tips
How long should you marinate chicken? For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, go for 2 hours. This lets the chicken soak up all the tasty marinade.
What are some marinating alternatives? You can mix in some lime juice or chili sauce for a fun twist. These options add a zesty kick to your chicken, making it even more delicious.
Cooking Techniques
Should you grill or use a skillet? Both methods work great! Grilling gives the chicken nice grill marks and a smoky flavor. Skillet cooking is faster and easier to control. Choose what fits your style.
How can you check if the chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and juicy.
Serving Suggestions
What side dishes go well with this chicken? Steamed white rice or fluffy quinoa are perfect. They soak up the yummy sauce. You can also serve a fresh salad for a light touch.
How can you present the dish? Arrange the chicken and caramelized pineapple on a large plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for color. It makes the dish look as good as it tastes!
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change things up with different fruits. Try mango or peach for a sweet twist. You can also use canned pineapple if fresh ones are hard to find. If you want to swap chicken, turkey breasts or firm tofu work well. Each swap can create a new flavor.
Different Cooking Styles
You can bake this dish for a hands-off approach. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken and pineapple in a baking dish. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Another option is a slow cooker. Add the chicken, pineapple, and marinade to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method makes the chicken tender and fills your kitchen with great smells.
Flavor Additions
Feel free to add spices for more depth. A pinch of cayenne or paprika can bring a nice kick. You can also mix in some soy sauce for a more savory note. Try adding a tablespoon of honey for extra sweetness. This dish works well with both sweet and savory flavors, so experiment to find your favorite combo. For more tips, check the Full Recipe.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftovers, place the chicken and pineapple in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the flavor may fade. Always let the dish cool before sealing it for storage. This helps keep the texture and moisture intact.
Freezing
For freezing, wrap the chicken and marinade in plastic wrap or foil. You can also use a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. The chicken can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe and maintains its flavor.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, use an oven or stovetop for best results. Avoid the microwave, as it may dry out the meat. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in a baking dish. Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s warm and juicy. If you want extra moisture, add a splash of water or broth before covering the dish with foil.
FAQs
How to make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken from scratch?
To make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, follow these simple steps:
1. Mix Marinade: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and salt.
2. Marinate Chicken: Put chicken thighs in a bag or dish. Pour marinade over chicken and let it soak.
3. Heat Your Pan: Preheat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Cook Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until done.
5. Thicken Marinade: In a saucepan, boil reserved marinade, then simmer until thick.
6. Add Pineapple: Add pineapple chunks in the last few minutes of cooking.
7. Serve: Drizzle thickened sauce over chicken and pineapple. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple. Here are the pros and cons:
– Pros: Canned pineapple is convenient and saves time. It also has a long shelf life.
– Cons: Canned pineapple can be softer and less sweet than fresh. It may not caramelize as well when cooked.
For best results, drain canned pineapple to reduce excess moisture.
What are the nutritional facts for Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken?
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a tasty dish with a good balance of nutrients. Here is an overview of calories and macros per serving:
– Calories: About 350-400 calories
– Protein: Around 28 grams
– Carbohydrates: Roughly 30 grams
– Fat: Approximately 15 grams
This dish offers protein and some healthy fats, along with a burst of flavor from the pineapple. Enjoy it with rice or quinoa for a balanced meal!
In this article, we explored the tasty Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken. We discussed main ingredients like chicken thighs, pineapple, and soy sauce. The step-by-step instructions help you prepare and cook the dish just right. We also shared tips on marinating, cooking methods, and serving ideas. You learned about variations and storage, too. This dish is simple and full of flavor. Enjoy making it your own with different ingredients and methods. Cooking should be fun and satisfying, so get creative and dig in!
![- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) To make tasty Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, gather these simple ingredients. The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender. Fresh pineapple adds a sweet twist. Packed brown sugar gives it a rich flavor, while soy sauce adds a savory depth. For flavor, use olive oil to cook the chicken. Minced garlic and fresh ginger boost the taste even more. Season with ground black pepper and salt for balance. Finally, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a touch of crunch and color. Follow the [Full Recipe] to bring all these ingredients together. Enjoy making this delightful dish! - Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until the sugar mostly dissolves. This marinade packs in lots of flavor. - Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure every piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. - Preheat the cooking surface: While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, letting it heat until it shimmers. - Cook the chicken and pineapple: Remove the chicken from the marinade. Let excess liquid drip off and save the marinade for later. Place the chicken in the hot grill or skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it reaches 165°F (75°C). The outside should look brown and caramelized. Add fresh pineapple chunks to the grill or skillet in the last few minutes. Cook until they caramelize, about 3-4 minutes. - Thicken the marinade: While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then lower to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. - Garnish and serve: Once the chicken is done, drizzle the thickened marinade over the chicken and pineapple. Transfer to a serving platter. Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finish. This recipe makes a tasty and vibrant dish that looks as good as it tastes. For the full recipe, check out the details above. How long should you marinate chicken? For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, go for 2 hours. This lets the chicken soak up all the tasty marinade. What are some marinating alternatives? You can mix in some lime juice or chili sauce for a fun twist. These options add a zesty kick to your chicken, making it even more delicious. Should you grill or use a skillet? Both methods work great! Grilling gives the chicken nice grill marks and a smoky flavor. Skillet cooking is faster and easier to control. Choose what fits your style. How can you check if the chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and juicy. What side dishes go well with this chicken? Steamed white rice or fluffy quinoa are perfect. They soak up the yummy sauce. You can also serve a fresh salad for a light touch. How can you present the dish? Arrange the chicken and caramelized pineapple on a large plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for color. It makes the dish look as good as it tastes! {{image_4}} You can change things up with different fruits. Try mango or peach for a sweet twist. You can also use canned pineapple if fresh ones are hard to find. If you want to swap chicken, turkey breasts or firm tofu work well. Each swap can create a new flavor. You can bake this dish for a hands-off approach. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken and pineapple in a baking dish. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Another option is a slow cooker. Add the chicken, pineapple, and marinade to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method makes the chicken tender and fills your kitchen with great smells. Feel free to add spices for more depth. A pinch of cayenne or paprika can bring a nice kick. You can also mix in some soy sauce for a more savory note. Try adding a tablespoon of honey for extra sweetness. This dish works well with both sweet and savory flavors, so experiment to find your favorite combo. For more tips, check the Full Recipe. To store leftovers, place the chicken and pineapple in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the flavor may fade. Always let the dish cool before sealing it for storage. This helps keep the texture and moisture intact. For freezing, wrap the chicken and marinade in plastic wrap or foil. You can also use a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. The chicken can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to use it, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe and maintains its flavor. To reheat the chicken, use an oven or stovetop for best results. Avoid the microwave, as it may dry out the meat. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in a baking dish. Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it's warm and juicy. If you want extra moisture, add a splash of water or broth before covering the dish with foil. To make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, follow these simple steps: 1. Mix Marinade: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and salt. 2. Marinate Chicken: Put chicken thighs in a bag or dish. Pour marinade over chicken and let it soak. 3. Heat Your Pan: Preheat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. 4. Cook Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until done. 5. Thicken Marinade: In a saucepan, boil reserved marinade, then simmer until thick. 6. Add Pineapple: Add pineapple chunks in the last few minutes of cooking. 7. Serve: Drizzle thickened sauce over chicken and pineapple. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Yes, you can use canned pineapple. Here are the pros and cons: - Pros: Canned pineapple is convenient and saves time. It also has a long shelf life. - Cons: Canned pineapple can be softer and less sweet than fresh. It may not caramelize as well when cooked. For best results, drain canned pineapple to reduce excess moisture. Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a tasty dish with a good balance of nutrients. Here is an overview of calories and macros per serving: - Calories: About 350-400 calories - Protein: Around 28 grams - Carbohydrates: Roughly 30 grams - Fat: Approximately 15 grams This dish offers protein and some healthy fats, along with a burst of flavor from the pineapple. Enjoy it with rice or quinoa for a balanced meal! In this article, we explored the tasty Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken. We discussed main ingredients like chicken thighs, pineapple, and soy sauce. The step-by-step instructions help you prepare and cook the dish just right. We also shared tips on marinating, cooking methods, and serving ideas. You learned about variations and storage, too. This dish is simple and full of flavor. Enjoy making it your own with different ingredients and methods. Cooking should be fun and satisfying, so get creative and dig in!](https://roastedflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/18ad6a06-8495-4b1f-8ac1-42fda288f4ee-300x300.webp)