Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

$To make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained) - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped green onions for garnish If you can't find some ingredients, don't worry! Here are some swaps: - Chicken breasts: You can use thighs for more flavor. - Brown sugar: White sugar or coconut sugar works fine too. - Soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option. - Apple cider vinegar: White vinegar or lemon juice can be used. - Fresh pineapple: Canned pineapple chunks are a quick substitute. Choosing the right pineapple is key for great flavor. Here are some tips: - Look for a pineapple with a sweet smell at the base. - The skin should be firm but slightly soft when pressed. - Check for bright, green leaves at the top. - Avoid pineapples with brown spots or shriveled leaves. These steps help ensure your dish is sweet and juicy! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, get a big bowl. In this bowl, mix the brown sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If you like heat, add the red pepper flakes. This mix is your marinade. Now, put the chicken breasts in the marinade. Make sure they are covered well. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it marinate for up to 4 hours gives better flavor. You can cook the chicken in two ways: using a skillet or grilling. If you choose the skillet, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This helps the chicken cook evenly. If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high. This method adds a nice smoky flavor. Both methods work well, but grilling can make the chicken a bit juicier. While the chicken cooks, use the marinade left in your bowl. Pour it into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This will make the sauce thick and yummy. During the last few minutes of cooking, add fresh pineapple chunks to the skillet or grill. The heat will caramelize the pineapple, making it sweet. Once the chicken is done, drizzle the thick sauce over the chicken and pineapple. Let it rest before slicing. Marinating chicken helps it absorb flavor. First, mix brown sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. This mix makes a tasty marinade. Place the chicken in the marinade and cover it well. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate it up to 4 hours. The longer you marinate, the better the taste. To get a perfect sear, use a hot skillet or grill. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This shows it's ready. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting extra drip off. Place the chicken in the pan or on the grill. Cook each side for about 6-8 minutes. You want a golden-brown crust. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it's safe to eat. If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinade. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust based on your taste. You can also add fresh sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when cooking. This adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish. Enjoy experimenting with different spice levels! Pro Tips Marination Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour for optimal flavor absorption, but if time permits, marinate it overnight for a richer taste. Grilling Tip: If grilling, oil the grill grates before placing the chicken to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful grill marks. Pineapple Preparation: For a sweeter flavor, use fresh pineapple and grill it alongside the chicken for a caramelized texture. Sauce Thickness: For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer after boiling, but be careful not to let it burn. {{image_2}} You can switch out the chicken for other proteins. Tofu works great for a vegan dish. Its texture soaks up flavors well. You can also use pork. Pork tenderloin adds a nice twist. Both options keep the dish tasty and satisfying. Want to make it even better? Add bell peppers for a crunch. They bring color and flavor. You can also use snap peas or broccoli. These veggies add nutrition and texture. Mix them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This way, they stay crisp and vibrant. Serve the Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken over rice for a classic meal. White rice absorbs the sauce nicely. You could also try noodles for a change. Both pair well with the sweet and tangy sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your flavorful dinner delight! After enjoying your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, it’s key to store leftovers right. Let the chicken cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure the pineapple chunks go in, too. This keeps the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat your chicken, use the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Check that it’s warm all the way through. If you want to use the microwave, place it on a plate. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid drying it out. You can freeze Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken for longer storage. Seal it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For a quicker option, use a microwave on the defrost setting. Once thawed, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your delicious meal later! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. The best way to thaw chicken is in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Remember, the chicken must be fully thawed for the marinade to soak in well. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. You can check this using a meat thermometer. If you don't have one, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, not pink. Clear juices should run from the chicken when it is cooked. Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance. Store it in the fridge until you're ready to use it. This helps the flavors blend well. Just remember to keep the chicken separate until you’re ready to marinate. This blog post covers making a great pineapple chicken dish. We explored the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for marinating. You learned how to choose fresh pineapple and select the right cooking method. We discussed variations like using tofu or adding veggies. Lastly, we talked about how to store leftovers and reheating them. Now, you have the tools to create a delicious meal. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with these tips!$

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

A delicious chicken dish marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, paired with caramelized pineapple.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
0.5 cup brown sugar
0.25 cup soy sauce
0.25 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish chopped green onions

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they're fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Reserve the marinade. If using a skillet, sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If grilling, cook on each side for about 6-8 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
During the last couple of minutes of cooking the chicken, add the pineapple chunks to the skillet or grill. Let them caramelize lightly with the chicken.
Once the chicken is done, drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken and pineapple. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing the chicken into strips.
Serve the Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken on a platter, garnished with chopped green onions.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.

Keyword chicken, grilled, pineapple, savory, sweet