Why Make This Recipe
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in a delightful way. The sweetness of the brown sugar and pineapple complements the tender chicken, making it a tasty meal everyone will enjoy. It’s also versatile—perfect for grilling, baking, or slow cooking—making it ideal for any occasion.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for spice)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions
Grilling: Preheat the grill and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, basting with marinade. Add pineapple slices to the grill for a smoky flavor.
Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, pour marinade and pineapple chunks over, and bake for 30 minutes.
Slow Cooking: Place chicken and pineapple in a slow cooker, pour marinade over, and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with steamed rice or grilled veggies.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside grilled vegetables. The dish is colorful and appetizing, making it a great choice for family dinners or gatherings. You can also add a slice of lime on the side for an extra touch of freshness.
How to Store Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
To store leftover Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
- Marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavors.
- Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less chili flakes as per your taste.
- Use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant taste, but canned works well too.
Variation
You can add different vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers or onions, for added crunch and flavor. Alternatively, you can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
2. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar; however, you may miss the depth of flavor that brown sugar provides.
3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish holds up well in the refrigerator and can be prepared in advance for quick weeknight dinners.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delicious dish combining sweet brown sugar and pineapple with tender chicken, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for spice)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Grilling: Preheat the grill and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, basting with marinade. Add pineapple slices to the grill.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, pour marinade and pineapple chunks over, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Slow Cooking: Place chicken and pineapple in a slow cooker, pour marinade over, and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with steamed rice or grilled veggies.
Notes
Marinate the chicken for deeper flavors and adjust spice level with chili flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg







