5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
This 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in a deliciously marinated chicken dish. Featuring a simple marinade of brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and spices, the chicken is tender and flavorful. Choose to grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken for a versatile and easy weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including marination time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
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 and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl or large resealable bag, whisk together all marinade ingredients thoroughly. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour; for best flavor, marinate overnight.
- Choose Your Cooking Method:
Option A: Grill – Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). While grilling, brush with extra marinade and discard any leftover marinade afterward.
Option B: Bake – Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish, ensuring they’re spaced evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, basting once or twice with leftover marinade, until chicken is golden and cooked through.
Option C: Pan-Sear – Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side until caramelized and cooked fully through. For a glossy glaze, add a little leftover marinade during the last 2 minutes of cooking. - Garnish & Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice the chicken and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavors.
- Choose chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- If grilling, make sure to oil the grill grates properly to prevent sticking.
- Discard any leftover marinade used on raw chicken to avoid foodborne illness.
- The marinade with brown sugar and pineapple juice can burn easily if cooked over very high heat, so keep an eye on the chicken to prevent burning.
Keywords: brown sugar chicken, pineapple chicken, grilled chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, easy chicken marinade, weeknight dinner
