Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken (Print-Friendly Version)

Tangy pineapple and rich brown sugar create a luscious glaze for juicy chicken with sweet, tropical notes.

# What You’ll Need to Make This:

→ Chicken and Marinade

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - 1 cup (160 g) pineapple chunks, fresh or canned in juice
03 - 1/2 cup (90 g) brown sugar
04 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon (10 g) fresh ginger, grated
07 - 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
09 - 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lime juice
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touch

11 - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

# How to Prepare:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and olive oil. Whisk until well blended.
02 - Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
03 - Choose your preferred technique: For grilling, preheat grill to medium-high; for baking, preheat oven to 190°C. For slow cooking, prepare a slow cooker.
04 - Grilling: Grill chicken 6–8 minutes per side, basting occasionally with marinade. Grill pineapple chunks alongside for a smoky finish. Baking: Arrange chicken in a baking dish, spoon marinade and pineapple over top, and bake for 30 minutes until cooked through. Slow Cooking: Place chicken and pineapple in a slow cooker, pour marinade over, and cook on low for 4–5 hours until tender.
05 - Transfer cooked chicken to a platter, spoon pineapple and sauce over, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve immediately. Accompany with rice or grilled vegetables as desired.

# Extra Tips:

01 - For optimal flavor, marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes—up to 2 hours enhances depth.
02 - Balance the sauce by adjusting lime juice or soy sauce if sweetness is too pronounced.
03 - Grilling delivers a smoky char, baking offers simplicity, and slow cooking guarantees tenderness.
04 - Add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha for a touch of heat to the dish.