Description

This Irresistibly Juicy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe combines the sweet tang of pineapple and brown sugar with savory soy sauce and aromatic garlic and ginger. Perfectly marinated and cooked using your favorite method—grilling, baking, or slow cooking—this dish delivers moist, flavorful chicken with a delightful balance of sweetness and zest. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s a vibrant and easy recipe that’s sure to impress for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Marinade and Sauce

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice)
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lime juice
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and olive oil until well combined. This mixture creates a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors to infuse into the chicken.
Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing them until fully coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
Cook the chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method:
Grilling: Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until nicely charred and cooked through.
Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place marinated chicken in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Slow Cooking: Transfer chicken and marinade to slow cooker, cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender and flavorful.
Adjust the sauce: Once cooked, taste the pan sauce or slow cooker juices. Adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more lime juice or soy sauce if desired. Add chili flakes or sriracha for extra heat tailored to your preference.
Garnish and serve: Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the chicken to add a bright, fresh finish that complements the dish beautifully.

Notes

You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes but for best flavor, allow 1-2 hours.
If grilling, oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking and get nice grill marks.
Adjust chili flakes according to your desired spice level or omit for milder flavor.
Use fresh pineapple when possible, but canned in juice works well too—avoid pineapple canned in syrup to reduce extra sweetness.
Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.