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For Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) These ingredients create a sweet and savory dish. The brown sugar gives a rich flavor. The fresh pineapple adds a juicy contrast. The soy sauce brings a depth of umami to the dish. You can swap ingredients based on what you have. Use chicken breasts instead of thighs if needed. Honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar. Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. If you lack fresh pineapple, canned pineapple works. Just drain it well. Fresh garlic and ginger boost flavor, but you can use powdered forms if necessary. Select a ripe pineapple for the best taste. Look for a golden-yellow color on the outside. The leaves should be green and firm. A ripe pineapple will smell sweet at the base. When you squeeze it gently, it should feel slightly soft. Avoid pineapples with dark spots or bruises. If you choose a whole pineapple, it will last longer than cut pieces. Enjoy fresh pineapple for its bright taste and health benefits. To start, gather your ingredients for the marinade. You will need brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt. In a medium bowl, mix them well. This marinade adds a sweet and savory flavor to the chicken. Let it sit for a few minutes to blend the tastes. This step is key for a delicious meal. Next, take your chicken thighs and place them in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate it for up to 2 hours for even more flavor. This soaking time helps the chicken absorb all the yummy tastes from the marinade. Now, it’s time to cook the chicken! Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil to coat the pan. Take the chicken out of the marinade. Let the extra liquid drip off. Reserve the marinade for later. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). In the last few minutes, add the pineapple chunks to the grill or skillet. This caramelizes them and brings out their sweetness. Once cooked, drizzle the thickened marinade over the chicken and pineapple before serving. For a beautiful finish, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. To get perfectly cooked chicken, focus on the thickness of the thighs. If they are thick, they need more time to cook. Use a meat thermometer to check the inside temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and juicy. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside. Marinades are key for adding flavor. Use the marinade from the chicken to baste while it cooks. This boosts the taste and keeps it moist. For extra depth, let the chicken soak in the marinade for up to 2 hours. The sugars in the brown sugar help caramelize the chicken. This creates a nice crust on the outside. Don't skip the garlic and ginger; they add great flavor. Serve the chicken on a large plate for visual impact. Place the caramelized pineapple on top for color and texture. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh touch. Pair it with steamed rice or quinoa for a balanced meal. This makes it not just tasty but also appealing to the eyes. Enjoy making this dish look as good as it tastes! For more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can use various chicken cuts for this recipe. Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. They may take a bit longer to cook, so check the internal temperature. Drumsticks or wings can add a fun twist. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed. Feel free to swap ingredients to change the taste. Instead of brown sugar, try honey or maple syrup for sweetness. You can also use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. This switch gives a unique flavor and works for those avoiding soy. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add an extra layer of taste. If you like heat, add chili flakes or Sriracha to the marinade. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you control the spice level. The heat pairs nicely with the sweetness of the brown sugar and pineapple. It creates a delightful balance of flavors. For more delicious ideas, check the Full Recipe. After you enjoy your meal, let the chicken cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate the chicken and pineapple if you can. This helps keep the chicken juicy. To reheat, you can use the microwave or stove. If using a microwave, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 1-2 minutes. If you prefer the stove, use a non-stick pan. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat on low for about five minutes, flipping halfway. You can freeze leftover chicken too! Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This way, it can last for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave on the defrost setting if you’re in a hurry. Enjoy this flavorful meal later! For the full recipe, check the link provided! You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in. If you have time, marinating it for 2 hours gives even better taste. Just keep it in the fridge while it marinates. Yes, you can use canned pineapple if fresh is not available. Just make sure to drain the juice well. Canned pineapple will still add sweetness and flavor to your dish. It might not caramelize as well, but it will still taste great. You can serve the chicken with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. A fresh salad or grilled veggies pairs nicely too. The sweet and savory flavors work well with many sides. Feel free to get creative with your plate! For the full recipe, check out the Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe. You learned how to make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken. We discussed ingredients, including options for freshness and substitutions. I shared easy steps for marinating and cooking the chicken. You now have tips for flavor and presentation. We explored variations, so you can customize your dish. Finally, you got storage advice and answers to common questions. Enjoy crafting this meal. With these tips, your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken will shine!

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Elevate your dinner game with this delicious Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe! Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a mouthwatering blend of brown sugar and soy sauce, paired with sweet caramelized pineapple make for a perfect combination. In just 50 minutes, you can create a flavorful meal that's sure to impress. Don’t wait! Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this tropical delight to your table tonight!

Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt. This will be your marinade.

    Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).

      Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.

        Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off, and reserve the marinade for later use.

          Grill or cook the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

            While the chicken is cooking, place the reserved marinade in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat and then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

              In the last few minutes of cooking the chicken, add the pineapple chunks to the grill or skillet to caramelize them slightly.

                Once the chicken is done, drizzle the thickened marinade over the chicken and pineapple before serving.

                  Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch.

                    Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a large plate with the caramelized pineapple on top, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Pair with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.