Description

This 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delightful sweet and savory dish featuring tender marinated chicken thighs or breasts infused with a flavorful blend of brown sugar, pineapple juice, and aromatic spices. Choose your preferred cooking method—grilling, baking, or pan-searing—to achieve juicy, caramelized chicken perfect for a satisfying dinner. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this recipe delivers a tropical twist that’s simple to prepare 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

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl or large resealable bag, whisk together all marinade ingredients thoroughly. Add the chicken pieces and toss to ensure they are fully coated in the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
Choose Your Cooking Method:
Option A – Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). While grilling, occasionally brush the chicken with extra marinade for enhanced flavor, but discard leftover marinade afterwards.
Option B – Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a baking dish in a single layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, basting once or twice with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Option C – Pan-Sear: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until caramelized and fully cooked. During the last 2 minutes, add a little of the leftover marinade to the pan to create a quick glaze.
Garnish & Serve: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice as desired and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an attractive presentation. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful meal.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
If using the grilling method, discard any leftover marinade to avoid cross-contamination.
You can use either chicken thighs or breasts; thighs will be juicier while breasts will be leaner.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American with Tropical Influence

Keywords: Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, Sweet Chicken Marinade, Grilled Pineapple Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipe, Caramelized Chicken