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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Recipe by Evelyn Marcella Rivera

A fast, flavor-packed brown sugar pineapple chicken recipe with a marinade that does all the work. Grill, bake, or pan-sear — caramelized, sticky, and on the table in 30 active minutes.

  • Total Time35 minutes
  • Yield4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Marinade

  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, light or dark
  • 0.5 cup pineapple juice, fresh or canned
  • 0.33 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
  • 0.5 tsp ground ginger
  • 0.5 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 Marinate the Chicken: Whisk all marinade ingredients together in a bowl or large zip bag. Add chicken, toss to coat, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour — overnight for best flavor.
  2. Cook — Grill Method Cook — Grill Method: Preheat grill to medium-high and oil the grates. Grill chicken 5 to 6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush with extra marinade while grilling. Discard remaining marinade after cooking.
  3. Cook — Oven Method Cook — Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange marinated chicken in a baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, basting once or twice, until golden and cooked through.
  4. Cook — Pan-Sear Method Cook — Pan-Sear Method: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5 to 7 minutes per side until deeply caramelized and cooked through. Add a splash of leftover marinade in the last 2 minutes to form a sticky glaze.
  5. Rest and Serve Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts and stay juicy even if slightly overcooked — recommended for beginners. Never reuse raw-chicken marinade unless it has been heated through. Marinade keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days before adding chicken. Leftovers reheat well in a skillet with a splash of water.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 24
  • Sodium: 620
  • Fat: 14
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Carbohydrates: 28
  • Protein: 35
  • Cholesterol: 135

Find it online: https://blesseddish.com/brown-sugar-pineapple-chicken/