Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons olive oil The main ingredients in Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken create a sweet and savory dish. Chicken breasts provide lean protein, while fresh pineapple adds a juicy, tropical touch. Brown sugar brings sweetness, and soy sauce adds depth. Olive oil helps to sear the chicken, locking in flavor. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - Salt and pepper to taste The spices elevate the dish. Garlic powder gives a savory note, while ginger powder adds warmth. Salt and pepper balance the flavors, making each bite pop. Together, these spices turn basic chicken into a flavorful feast. - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish) Garnishes make the dish appealing. Green onions add a fresh crunch and a burst of color. Sesame seeds sprinkle a nutty flavor on top. These simple touches enhance the look and taste of your meal. Exploring these ingredients allows you to create a dish bursting with flavor. Enjoy the process! {{ingredient_image_1}} - In a medium bowl, combine: - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - A pinch of salt and pepper Mix these ingredients with a whisk. Keep whisking until the sugar dissolves. This creates a smooth marinade that packs a punch. - Grab a large zip-lock bag. - Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts inside. - Pour the marinade over the chicken. - Seal the bag tight, making sure the chicken is well coated. Refrigerate this for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, let it sit for up to 4 hours. - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. - Take the chicken out of the marinade and keep the marinade for later. - Sear the chicken in the hot skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. Now, pour the reserved marinade and 1 cup of diced pineapple over the chicken in the skillet. Bring this mix to a simmer. - Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. - Bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Before serving, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Enjoy your meal! To make the best marinade, soak the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, let it marinate for up to 4 hours. This longer time helps the chicken soak up all the tasty goodness. You can also add spices like cayenne pepper or paprika for a little heat. A dash of lime juice can brighten the flavor too. When searing chicken, heat your skillet until hot. Use medium-high heat to get a nice brown color. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, not pink. Garnishing adds flair to your dish. Use sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nice crunch. For serving, pair the chicken with rice or a salad for balance. You can also add extra pineapple chunks to the plate for a bright look. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to enhance the flavor and tenderness. Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a vibrant sweetness and acidity that complements the dish better than canned pineapple. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Serve with Rice: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or quinoa, which helps soak up the delicious sauce. {{image_2}} For those who want a low-sugar version, swap brown sugar for a sugar substitute. You can use stevia or monk fruit sweetener. These options keep the sweetness but cut down on calories. If you want to change the protein, use tofu or shrimp. Both options soak up the marinade well. They add a tasty twist to this dish. Want some heat? Add chili flakes to the marinade. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. The heat balances the sweetness of the brown sugar. For a fresh flavor, add chopped herbs. Cilantro or basil work great. These herbs give the dish a nice lift. If you prefer using a slow cooker, pour the marinade over the chicken in the cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method makes the chicken really tender. Grilling is another option. Marinate the chicken as usual. Then, grill it for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll get a nice char and smoky flavor. Baking works well, but grilling adds a fun twist. To store leftover Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. This helps keep the chicken fresh and safe. It will stay good in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. When it’s time to enjoy your chicken again, there are a few ways to reheat it. You can use the oven, microwave, or stovetop. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 20 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist. If using the microwave, heat it in short bursts, checking often. Always ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) to be safe. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just remember to thaw it first. Place the chicken in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Defrost it on the low setting. Once thawed, follow the marinating steps as usual. This ensures the chicken absorbs the flavors well. Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken pairs great with several sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Stir-fried vegetables - A fresh green salad - Mashed potatoes These sides will balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. Yes, you can make a vegetarian version. Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Press the tofu to remove extra water. Then, marinate it just like the chicken. Cook it in the skillet, following the same steps. You can also use seitan for a meat-like texture. To check if the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, not pink. Juices should run clear, not red. This blog post shared a simple, tasty recipe for Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken. You learned about the main ingredients, spices, and garnishes that bring flavor. The step-by-step instructions guide you through marinating and cooking. Tips on perfecting the dish enhance your cooking skills. You explored variations to suit dietary needs and preferences. Lastly, storage and reheating advice ensures your leftovers stay fresh. Embrace this dish's versatility, and enjoy experimenting with flavors in your kitchen!$

A delicious chicken dish marinated in a sweet and savory brown sugar and pineapple sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

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
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder
to taste salt and pepper
2 pieces green onions, sliced (for garnish)
optional sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the marinade is well mixed.
Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag, ensuring the chicken is well coated, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and reserve the marinade for later. Sear the chicken breasts in the hot skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Pour the reserved marinade and diced pineapple over the chicken in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

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

Keyword brown sugar, chicken, dinner, pineapple