Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken (Easy Sweet Dinner Recipe)
If you’re craving something that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and juicy, look no further than this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe. Marinated in a tropical-inspired blend of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce, this chicken dish can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared for a quick and flavorful dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling, Baking, or Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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. In a medium bowl or large resealable bag, whisk together all marinade ingredients.
2. Add chicken and toss to coat. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight for best flavor.
3. To 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.
4. To 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.
5. To 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.
6. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
For a spicier version, add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or hot sauce to the marinade.
To make in a crockpot, cook on low for 4–5 hours, then broil briefly to caramelize the top.
You can use tofu or cauliflower steaks as a vegetarian alternative with the same marinade.
Boil leftover (unused) marinade for 5 minutes to reduce it into a rich glaze.
Find it online: https://cookingwithramsay.com/brown-sugar-pineapple-chicken/