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5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

Discover the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and juicy flavors with this 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe. Marinated in a blend of brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and spices, this dish offers tender, flavorful chicken that can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared to perfection. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress.

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

  1. 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, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
  2. Choose Your Cooking Method: Option A – Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush the chicken with additional marinade while grilling for extra flavor, then discard any remaining marinade.
    Option B – Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in a baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, basting once or twice with the remaining marinade, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
    Option C – Pan-Sear: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until caramelized and fully cooked. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add a small amount of leftover marinade to the pan to create a quick glaze.
  3. Garnish & Serve: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice the chicken as desired and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh, crunchy topping. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Notes

  • Spicy Version: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
  • Crockpot Method: Cook marinated chicken on low for 4 to 5 hours, then broil briefly to caramelize the top before serving.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower steaks and use the same marinade for equally delicious flavor.
  • Extra Glaze: Boil leftover marinade (only if it has not touched raw chicken) for 5 minutes to thicken it into a syrupy glaze perfect for drizzling over the cooked chicken.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months for flexibility.
  • When reheating, use a microwave or gently warm in a covered skillet over low heat to preserve moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar chicken, pineapple chicken, grilled chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, easy dinner recipes, marinated chicken, pineapple marinade

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/5-star-brown-sugar-pineapple-chicken-recipe-2/