Description
This 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and savory blend of brown sugar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce. Ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this dish delivers a perfect balance of tropical sweetness and a subtle spicy kick. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it offers a tasty, easy-to-make dinner everyone will love.
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 until well combined. Add the chicken pieces and toss to fully coat them in the marinade. Seal the container or bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Choose Your Cooking Method:
Option A – Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During grilling, brush the chicken with any extra marinade to enhance flavor, but discard any marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken afterwards.
Option B – Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken into a baking dish in a single layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes, occasionally basting with remaining marinade, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Option C – Pan-Sear: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the hot pan and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, allowing the surface to caramelize beautifully. During the last 2 minutes, add a small amount of leftover marinade to create a flavorful glaze. - Garnish & Serve: Remove the cooked chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juiciness. Slice the chicken and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious brown sugar pineapple chicken.
Notes
- Spicy Version: Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or your preferred hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
- Crockpot Method: Cook the marinated chicken on low heat for 4–5 hours, then finish under the broiler briefly to caramelize the top.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower steaks and use the same marinade for a flavorful plant-based dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (grilling/baking/pan-searing time only)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Marinating, Grilling, Baking, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American with Tropical Influence
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 6 oz chicken)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: brown sugar chicken, pineapple chicken recipe, grilled pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, easy chicken dinner, tropical chicken marinade
