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brown sugar pineapple chicken

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken: A Tropical Flavor Adventure

Delight in the tropical flavors of brown sugar pineapple chicken, a quick and easy dish perfect for summer barbecues.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American, Tropical
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs Can substitute with tofu or tempeh
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
For the Marinade
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Can substitute with honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Use tamari for gluten-free
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger (grated)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes (optional) Omit for milder flavor
For the Fruity Extras
  • 1 cup Pineapple Chunks Can substitute with mango or papaya
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice
Seasonings and Garnish
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Optional garnish

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Resealable Bag
  • Oven
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Cook the Chicken
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and olive oil to create a flavorful marinade. Place the boneless chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag, refrigerate, and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  2. Preheat your grill to medium heat or your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a grill, ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled. For baking, prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly.
  3. If grilling, place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For baking, transfer the chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, ensuring it’s cooked through and juices run clear.
  4. In the last few minutes of cooking, add fresh pineapple chunks directly onto the grill or around the chicken in the baking dish. Allow them to caramelize slightly for about 3-5 minutes.
  5. After cooking, taste-test the pineapple chicken to ensure the flavor is balanced. Adjust sweetness and tang with extra lime juice or soy sauce if desired.
  6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it over rice or quinoa, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Marinate the chicken 1-2 days in advance for easy meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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