Go Back
+ servings

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

A delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors in this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken that’s perfect for any dinner occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Barbecue
Calories: 450

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

  • ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ½ cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned) Canned is convenient; choose low-sugar if possible.
  • 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) Adjust to taste.

Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts Chicken breasts may require less cooking time.
  • 1 tbsp oil for searing or grilling

Garnish (Optional)

  • Sliced green onions For garnish.
  • Sesame seeds For garnish.

Method

Marinate the Chicken

  • In a medium bowl or large resealable bag, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Add the chicken and toss to coat well. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally overnight for the best flavor.

Choose Your Cooking Method

  • Option A: Grill - Preheat the grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush with extra marinade while grilling, then discard any remaining marinade.
  • Option B: Bake - Preheat the 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 the chicken is golden and fully cooked.
  • Option C: Pan-Sear - Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. Add a little leftover marinade during the last 2 minutes for a quick glaze.

Garnish & Serve

  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 800mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15g

Notes

To store leftovers, place chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in oven or skillet before serving. For a thicker sauce, simmer the reserved marinade until reduced.
Tried this recipe?Mention @WPRecipeMaker or tag #wprecipemaker!