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Easy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a sweet and savory chicken recipe with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar marinade.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian-Inspired

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • 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 chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp oil for searing or grilling
  • Sliced green onions for garnish
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  • In a medium bowl or large resealable bag, whisk together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
  • Add the chicken and coat well. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken flavor, marinate overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

    Option A: Grill

    • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat 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 leftover marinade.

    Option B: Bake

    • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Place marinated chicken in a baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, basting once or twice until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

    Option C: Pan-Sear

    • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until caramelized and fully cooked. During the last 2 minutes, add a spoonful of marinade to create a sticky glaze.

    Step 3: Garnish & Serve

    • Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
    • Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

    Notes

    • You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs depending on preference.
    • Reduce brown sugar slightly if using very sweet canned pineapple juice.
    • Add chopped pineapple chunks during baking for extra flavor.
    • Serve with steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.