5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. Made with a simple marinade and versatile cooking options, it’s an easy and delicious meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 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)
• 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

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl or large resealable bag, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Add chicken and toss to coat. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight for best flavor.
2. Step 2: Choose your cooking method:
   1. Option A: Grill – Preheat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Grill chicken 5–6 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush with extra marinade while grilling, then discard any remaining marinade.
   2. Option B: Bake – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange marinated chicken in a baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, basting once or twice with remaining marinade until chicken is golden and cooked through.
   3. Option C: Pan-Sear – Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until caramelized and fully cooked. Add a little leftover marinade during the last 2 minutes for a quick glaze.
3. Step 3: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the marinade.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier results, or breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
• Try substituting pineapple juice with orange juice for a citrus twist.
• If grilling, soak wooden skewers in water beforehand to prevent burning.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and juicy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before marinating and cooking to ensure even flavor absorption and proper cooking.

Is it safe to use leftover marinade as a sauce?

Do not use leftover marinade directly as a sauce unless it has been boiled for several minutes to kill any bacteria from the raw chicken.

5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 111 reviews

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.

• Author: Amy
• 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 1x2x3x

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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