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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish) To make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, you need simple yet tasty ingredients. The chicken breasts are the star of the dish. They soak up the sweet marinade well. Diced fresh pineapple adds a juicy punch. The marinade is what makes this dish special. Brown sugar gives a rich sweetness. Soy sauce adds a savory kick. Minced garlic and grated ginger give depth. Sesame oil adds a nice nutty flavor. Black pepper adds warmth. If you like heat, throw in red pepper flakes. Don't forget the green onions! They add color and a fresh taste. This mix of flavors creates a mouthwatering dish that you will love. Get these ingredients ready, and let's cook! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, start with a mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon grated ginger. Then, pour in 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. If you like heat, add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Whisk all these ingredients together until the brown sugar dissolves. This mixture will give your chicken a sweet and savory flavor. Next, place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but 3 hours is better for fuller flavor. The chicken absorbs the marinade, making it juicy and tasty. Before grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to keep things safe. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For added sweetness, grill the diced pineapple during the last 2 minutes. This caramelizes the pineapple and brings out its natural sugars. After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve it with the grilled pineapple on top and garnish with chopped green onions for a burst of flavor. To get juicy grilled chicken, start with good chicken breasts. Use boneless and skinless chicken for easy handling and quick cooking. Make sure your grill is hot before you cook. This helps to sear the chicken and keep the juices inside. Grill each piece for about 6-7 minutes on each side. When the chicken reaches 165°F, it is done. Marinating is key for great flavor. I recommend marinating the chicken for at least one hour. If you have time, let it sit for three hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it absorbs. The brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic mix will give it a sweet and savory taste. After grilling, let the chicken rest for five minutes. This keeps it juicy. Slice the chicken and top it with the grilled pineapple. The caramelized pineapple adds a nice touch. For color, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top. Serve this dish with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 3 hours for the best flavor. If possible, marinate overnight to let the flavors really penetrate the meat. Check Grill Temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the chicken. This helps to achieve a nice sear and prevents sticking. Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple not only tastes better, but it also has enzymes that help tenderize the chicken, adding to the overall texture and flavor of your dish. Rest the Chicken: Let the grilled chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy. {{image_2}} You can swap some ingredients for different flavors. For a sweeter taste, use honey instead of brown sugar. If you want a tangy kick, try using apple cider vinegar with the soy sauce. You can also change the chicken. Use pork or tofu for a unique twist. No grill? No problem! You can cook this dish in a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You can also bake the chicken in the oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes. Pair your chicken with tasty sides. Rice is great for soaking up the sauce. Steamed veggies add color and nutrients. For a fresh touch, serve a salad with greens and citrus. You can also try grilled corn on the cob for a fun summer feel. Each side dish will enhance your meal and satisfy your guests. After you enjoy your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, save any leftovers. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze your chicken, let it cool first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat your chicken in the oven for the best taste. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s warm throughout. You can also use a microwave. Just place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, checking often. Enjoy it warm with any remaining grilled pineapple! The best way to marinate chicken is to use a mix of flavors. First, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and spices in a bowl. Whisk until the brown sugar dissolves. Next, place your chicken breasts in a bag or dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish well. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, aim for 3 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavor your chicken gets. Yes, you can use canned pineapple. However, fresh pineapple gives a better taste. Canned pineapple has added sugar and a softer texture. If you use canned, drain it well before grilling. This helps keep the right texture on the grill. Fresh pineapple caramelizes nicely and adds a great touch. To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out. You now have a clear guide to making delicious grilled chicken. We covered the key ingredients, including chicken breasts and marinade components, and shared step-by-step grilling tips. Remember to marinate to enhance flavor and to try different variations for fun meals. Store your leftovers properly and follow reheating tips for best taste. With this knowledge, you can create tasty chicken dishes that your friends and family will love. Happy grilling!

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

A deliciously sweet and savory grilled chicken dish with caramelized pineapple.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 0.25 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until the brown sugar is dissolved to create a marinade.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
  • Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow excess liquid to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
  • Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely browned. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the diced pineapple to the grill to caramelize slightly.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken and pineapple from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  • Slice the chicken and serve it topped with the grilled pineapple. Garnish with chopped green onions for an added layer of flavor and color.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for 3 hours.
Keyword brown sugar, chicken, grilled, pineapple