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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 13 reviews

This 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with tender, juicy chicken infused with a rich marinade made from brown sugar, pineapple juice, and spices. Ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, it is quick to prepare and makes a delightful dinner that pairs wonderfully with coconut rice or sautéed green beans.

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. Add the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight for the best flavor infusion.
  2. Choose Your Cooking Method:
    Option A: Grill – Preheat the grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush with extra marinade while grilling, then discard any leftover marinade.
    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 the 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. Add a little leftover marinade during the last 2 minutes for a quick glaze.
  3. Garnish & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired, then serve warm alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Spicy Version: Add 1–2 tsp sriracha or hot sauce to the marinade for a kick.
  • Crockpot Method: Cook on low for 4–5 hours, then broil briefly to caramelize the chicken surface.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Use tofu or cauliflower steaks with the same marinade for a plant-based option.
  • Extra Glaze: Boil leftover marinade (not raw) for 5 minutes to thicken it into a delicious glaze to brush over the chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken recipe, grilled chicken recipe, baked chicken, pan-seared chicken, pineapple chicken marinade, easy dinner recipes

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