5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
This 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe features tender chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of brown sugar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce. Perfectly grilled, baked, or pan-seared, the chicken is caramelized and bursting with tropical flavors, making it an irresistible main dish for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Marinating, Grilling, Baking, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American with Tropical Influence
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
For the Marinade:
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tbsp oil for searing or grilling
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl or large resealable bag, whisk together all marinade ingredients until well combined. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour; for best flavor, marinate overnight.
- Choose Your Cooking Method: Option A – Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). While grilling, brush the chicken with additional marinade for extra flavor, but discard any leftover marinade after use.
- Option B – Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a baking dish in a single layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes, basting once or twice with the remaining marinade, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Option C – Pan-Sear: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side until caramelized and fully cooked. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add a little of the leftover marinade to the pan to create a quick glaze.
- Garnish & Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Slice the chicken if desired, then garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
- Use either chicken thighs or breasts according to your preference; thighs are more forgiving and juicy, breasts are leaner.
- If grilling, make sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and enhance grill marks.
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar to suit taste.
- The red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted or increased based on your heat preference.
- Always discard leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
- Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 6 oz chicken)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: brown sugar pineapple chicken, grilled pineapple chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, pineapple marinade chicken, easy chicken recipe
