5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
This 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender marinated chicken cooked to perfection. The marinade blends brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and spices, creating a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the chicken whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including 1 hour marination time, excluding longer marination options)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American Fusion
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 coat evenly. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Choose Your Cooking Method: Option A – Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, brushing with extra marinade during cooking. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Discard any leftover marinade. Option B – Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, basting once or twice with remaining marinade, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Option C – Pan-Sear: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until caramelized and fully cooked. During the last 2 minutes, add a small amount of leftover marinade to create a quick glaze on the chicken.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps retain juices and makes the chicken tender. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness significantly.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness and make the dish healthier.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Leftover marinade used for glazing should be boiled if not fully cooked to avoid contamination.
- Choose chicken thighs for juicier results; chicken breasts yield a leaner option.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit entirely for a milder dish.
Keywords: brown sugar pineapple chicken, marinated chicken, grilled pineapple chicken, baked pineapple chicken, pan-seared chicken, sweet and savory chicken, easy chicken recipe
