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- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced - 1/2 cup brown sugar For this dish, chicken thighs are the star. They are juicy and tender, making them perfect for this sweet and savory meal. Pineapple adds a bright, tropical flavor. Brown sugar gives the sauce its rich sweetness. - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated Soy sauce adds a salty depth. Apple cider vinegar brings a tangy kick. Garlic and ginger give the dish a warm, aromatic flavor. Together, these ingredients create a tasty marinade that makes the chicken shine. - 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced for garnish - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons water Green onions add a fresh crunch. Sesame seeds provide a nice nutty flavor. You can use cornstarch to thicken the sauce, making it rich and glossy. Adjust these garnishes based on your taste and what you have at home! {{ingredient_image_1}} - In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. - Stir until the sugar dissolves. - Add the chicken thighs to the marinade. - Make sure the chicken is well-coated. - Cover and place it in the fridge. - Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best taste, aim for 1-2 hours. - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. - Add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet. - Reserve the marinade for later. - Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. - Cook until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked. - Remove the chicken and set it aside. - In the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade. - Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. - Let it cook for 3-4 minutes. - In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. - Slowly stir this slurry into the sauce. - Keep simmering until the sauce thickens. - Stir in the diced pineapple. - Let it cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. - Cook until the pineapple is warmed through and slightly caramelized. - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. - Coat it well with the thickened sauce and pineapple. - Cook for one more minute to blend the flavors. - Plate the chicken and spoon the delicious sauce and pineapple on top. - Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for color. - For a great meal, serve it on a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa. - Add extra pineapple pieces around for a tropical touch. For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, aim for 1-2 hours. This longer time helps the chicken soak up all the sweet and savory goodness. You can adjust sweetness by adding more brown sugar or saltiness with extra soy sauce. Taste the marinade before adding the chicken. Make it just right for your palate. Use a large, non-stick skillet for cooking. This helps the chicken sear nicely without sticking. Cook the chicken over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This way, you know it’s safe to eat and tender too. For a stunning plate, serve the chicken over a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa. This adds a nice base and absorbs the sauce. Arrange extra pineapple pieces around the chicken for a tropical look. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for color and crunch. A vibrant plate makes the meal even more exciting! Pro Tips Marinating Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1-2 hours for enhanced flavor. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will infuse into the meat. Cooking Temperature: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear. This helps to lock in juices and gives a beautiful color. Pineapple Selection: Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture. Canned pineapple may become mushy and less vibrant in taste. Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with jasmine rice or quinoa and garnish with additional pineapple pieces for a refreshing touch and visual appeal. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Pork works well, too. Choose pork chops or tenderloin. Tofu is a great option for a plant-based meal. It soaks up flavors nicely. Adjust cooking times for each protein. Pork usually needs about 10-12 minutes of cooking. Tofu should be cooked until golden, about 6-8 minutes on each side. Want to spice things up? Try adding cayenne or paprika. A little heat makes the dish exciting. You can also play with vinegar types. Rice vinegar or balsamic can give different flavors. Each option adds its unique twist to the dish. You can cook this dish in different ways. Oven baking works well if you want less hands-on time. Set your oven to 375°F and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Stovetop cooking gives you a nice sear. It keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. Slow cookers are another option. Just combine all the ingredients in the pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll have tender chicken and a rich sauce waiting for you. Leftover Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken can stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. Make sure to let the chicken cool before sealing it. You can freeze this dish for later use. Divide it into portions before freezing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To keep the chicken moist, reheat it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy. Avoid microwaving it, as this can make the chicken tough. To prevent sogginess in the sauce, reheat it separately. Once warm, combine the chicken and sauce just before serving. Yes, you can use canned pineapple. Canned pineapple is sweet and easy to use. It saves time, as it’s ready to go. However, it often has added sugar and syrup, which can change the taste. Fresh pineapple has a bright, tangy flavor. It also has more nutrients. If you want a fresher taste, use fresh pineapple. If you are short on time, go for canned. Many sides pair well with this dish. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed jasmine rice: This is a classic choice that soaks up the sauce well. - Quinoa: A healthy option that adds protein and fiber. - Stir-fried vegetables: Bright veggies add color and crunch. - Coleslaw: A cool, crunchy side balances the sweetness of the chicken. - Sweet potato fries: Their sweetness matches the dish nicely. These sides enhance the flavors and make the meal more filling. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Here’s how to do it: - Cook the chicken and sauce: Prepare the dish as directed. Let it cool. - Portion it out: Divide the chicken into meal-sized containers with sides. - Store: Keep in the fridge for up to four days. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. - Reheat: When ready to eat, simply microwave or heat on the stove until warm. Meal prepping makes it easy to enjoy this dish throughout the week! This blog post explored a tasty recipe for Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, including key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about marinating chicken thighs with a sweet and savory sauce, cooking techniques, and garnishing your dish for a beautiful presentation. Remember, you can easily adapt this recipe with different proteins or cooking methods. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or meal prepping, enjoy the delicious results. Try this recipe to impress your friends and family at your next dinner!

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

A delicious and tropical chicken dish featuring marinated chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and savory sauce with fresh pineapple.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
  • 1 2 brown sugar
  • 1 4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix until the sugar is dissolved. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours for maximum flavor.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the marinated chicken thighs (reserving the marinade) and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the reserved marinade and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Once it begins to bubble, let it cook for about 3-4 minutes. Mix the cornstarch and water in a separate small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly stir the slurry into the sauce, continuing to simmer until the sauce thickens.
  • Stir in the diced pineapple and let it cook in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes until warmed through and slightly caramelized.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it in the thickened sauce and pineapple. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Portion the chicken onto plates, spooning over the delicious sauce and pineapple. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa, with extra pineapple pieces arranged around for a tropical appeal.
Keyword brown sugar, chicken, easy recipe, pineapple