5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken : Sweet Dinner Idea Recipe
This 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal dinner option. Marinated with brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and spices, this chicken can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared to juicy perfection. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (baking) / 12 minutes (grilling) / 14 minutes (pan-searing)
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including minimum marination time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Marinating, Grilling, Baking, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American with Asian-inspired flavors
- Diet: Halal
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. Add the chicken 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 infuse the meat.
- Choose Your Cooking Method – Option A: Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the marinated chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). While grilling, brush the chicken with extra marinade to enhance the flavor, but discard any leftover marinade after use to avoid cross-contamination.
- Choose Your Cooking Method – Option B: Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken evenly in a baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, occasionally basting with the leftover marinade once or twice to maintain moisture and develop a golden finish. Ensure chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Choose Your Cooking Method – Option C: Pan-Sear: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until nicely caramelized and thoroughly cooked. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add a small amount of the leftover marinade to the pan to create a quick, flavorful glaze.
- Garnish & Serve: Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the sweet, tangy, and savory tropical flavors.
Notes
- Marinating overnight ensures maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium content moderate.
- Chicken thighs will be juicier, but breasts provide a leaner option.
- If using leftover marinade as a glaze, be sure to boil it for a few minutes to eliminate any bacteria.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to preferred spice level or omit for a milder taste.
- Garnishes are optional but add a nice crunchy texture and visual appeal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 6 oz chicken)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: brown sugar chicken, pineapple chicken, sweet chicken recipe, grilled pineapple chicken, baked chicken, pan-seared chicken, easy dinner ideas, tropical chicken marinade
