Print

brown sugar pineapple chicken Recipe

brown sugar pineapple chicken Recipe
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 137 reviews

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken features juicy chicken glazed in a luscious sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, elevated by the deep, caramel-like richness of brown sugar. Served with fresh cilantro and extra pineapple, this easy yet impressive dish brings tropical flair to your table in under an hour—perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

For the Marinade & Sauce

  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional for spice)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and olive oil. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag, and pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat all sides. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Choose your preferred method:
    • Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the leftover marinade. Add the pineapple chunks or slices to the grill during the last few minutes for a smoky, caramelized finish.
    • Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish, pour the remaining marinade and pineapple chunks over the top, and bake for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and caramelized.
    • Slow Cooking: For ultra-tender results, arrange the chicken and pineapple in your slow cooker, pour the marinade over, and cook on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is fork-tender.
  3. Serve: Plate the chicken, spoon over some of the sauce and pineapple, and garnish generously with fresh cilantro. Serve alongside steamed rice or grilled vegetables for a full tropical meal.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the sweet and tangy flavors to penetrate—longer marination (up to 2 hours) gives deeper flavor.
  • Grilling, baking, or slow cooking each create a different texture: grill for smoky char, bake for convenience, or slow cook for extra tenderness.
  • To balance sweetness, add extra lime juice or soy sauce if desired; for heat, toss in more chili flakes or a dash of sriracha.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/brown-sugar-pineapple-chicken-recipe/