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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Sweet & Savory Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe Magic

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken combines sweet and savory flavors for a delicious dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Tropical
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar light or dark can be used for varying flavor depth
  • 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice fresh or canned
  • 1/4 cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce for savory richness
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil for moisture
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar for tanginess
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder fresh garlic is a fantastic substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder can be omitted
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger fresh ginger boosts flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional for heat
For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breasts bone-in can be used but adjust time
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Oil for Searing or Grilling to prevent sticking
Optional Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Sliced Green Onions for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Grill
  • Oven
  • skillet
  • Resealable bag
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, low-sodium soy sauce, olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken, coat well, seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.
  2. Choose your cooking method: grill, bake, or pan-sear. Preheat accordingly; for grilling, use medium-high heat and oil the grates, for baking preheat the oven to 400°F, and for pan-searing heat oil in a skillet.
  3. For grilling, place the marinated chicken on the grill, cooking for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Brush with extra marinade while grilling.
  4. To bake, arrange chicken in a greased dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, basting halfway through until golden and cooked through.
  5. For pan-searing, cook each side for 5-7 minutes until a caramelized crust forms. Add leftover marinade in the last 2 minutes to glaze.
  6. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, slice, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight and avoid overcooking to retain tenderness. Serve with coconut rice or grilled pineapple for a tropical feast.

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