Sticky Sweet Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Sweet and tangy brown sugar pineapple chicken offers a tropical twist to your dinner routine.

Juicy chicken pieces dance with caramelized fruit notes that spark instant excitement.

Weeknight meals become an adventure when unexpected flavor combinations arrive on your plate.

You seeking something beyond standard protein dishes will adore this recipe’s vibrant profile.

Unexpected ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal that looks complex yet remains wonderfully simple to prepare.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, guaranteeing smiles around the dinner table.

Satisfaction awaits with just a few strategic ingredients and some culinary creativity.

Why Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Hits the Spot

• Burst of Tropical Flavors: Dive into a mouthwatering combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken that transports your taste buds to a sunny paradise.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Impress family and friends at backyard barbecues, summer gatherings, or casual weeknight dinners with this crowd-favorite dish that appeals to all ages and tastes.
• Quick Meal Solution: Whip up a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour, with most of the time spent marinating, allowing you to prep ahead and enjoy a stress-free cooking experience.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Tenderloins: Tender and juicy white meat perfect for grilling.

• Pineapple Juice: Sweet and tangy liquid from fresh pineapple.
• Brown Sugar: Rich, caramel-like sweetener.
• Lemon Juice: Bright and zesty citrus juice.
• Ketchup: Classic tomato-based condiment.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Slightly acidic and complex vinegar.
• Soy Sauce: Salty and umami Asian condiment.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy and sharp French-style mustard.
• Sriracha: Spicy chili sauce for heat.
• Olive Oil: Smooth and heart-healthy cooking oil.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Concentrated dried flavor enhancers.
• Ground Ginger: Warm and slightly spicy dried spice.
• Salt: Basic seasoning for flavor balance.

• Pineapple Slices: Sweet and tropical fruit for grilling.
• Butter: Rich and creamy for brushing.
• Cornstarch: Thickening agent for glaze.
• White or Brown Rice: Classic base for serving.
• Green Onions: Fresh and mild herb for garnish.
• Orange Zest: Bright citrus garnish.

How to Cook Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whisk together a delicious blend of ingredients in a medium bowl, combining tangy pineapple juice, rich brown sugar, zesty lemon juice, and savory seasonings.

• Pineapple juice
• Brown sugar
• Lemon juice
• Ketchup
• Red wine vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Sriracha
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Ground ginger
• Onion powder

Separate and refrigerate ⅓ cup of the marinade for later use as a glaze.

Step 2: Infuse Chicken with Deliciousness

Grab a large freezer bag and add olive oil along with the remaining marinade.

Toss in chicken tenderloins, seal tightly, and gently massage to coat every inch.

Park the bag in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours, flipping occasionally to ensure maximum flavor absorption.

Step 3: Prep for Grilling Adventure

Pull the chicken from the fridge and let it chill at room temperature for 15-30 minutes.

Fire up the grill to medium heat (375-450°F) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Drain excess marinade from the chicken and place it on the grill.

Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

For a tropical twist, brush pineapple slices with melted butter and grill 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully caramelized.

Step 5: Craft Irresistible Glaze

In a small saucepan, whisk cornstarch into the reserved marinade.

Simmer and stir frequently until the mixture thickens (about 2-3 minutes), then remove from heat.

Step 6: Plate and Celebrate

Brush the grilled chicken and pineapple with the luscious glaze.

Serve over rice and sprinkle with fresh orange zest and sliced green onions.

Pour any remaining glaze over the rice for extra flavor excitement.

Tips for Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Chicken

• Use a zip-top bag for even coating and easy cleanup, ensuring every inch of chicken absorbs the delicious brown sugar pineapple marinade.
• Maintain medium heat between 375-450°F to prevent burning while achieving perfect caramelization and juicy chicken texture.
• Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to avoid lumps and create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce that clings beautifully to the grilled chicken.
• Brush pineapple slices with melted butter before grilling to enhance natural sugars and create stunning grill marks.
• Allow chicken to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before grilling, which helps ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.

How to Store Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Right

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm chicken in microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of reserved marinade to prevent dryness. Alternatively, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Avoid repeated reheating to maintain texture and flavor. Discard if chicken develops odd smell or appears discolored.

Pairings for Pineapple Chicken Dinners

• Pair Sweet Tropical Zest with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer complements the brown sugar pineapple's sweetness and cuts through the chicken's richness.
• Enhance Grilling Flavors with Refreshing Beer: A light Hawaiian or wheat beer like Kona Longboard matches the tropical profile and provides a smooth, crisp contrast to the caramelized chicken.
• Balance Tangy Glaze with Citrus Cocktail: Mix a pineapple mojito or a passion fruit margarita to mirror the recipe's bright, zesty notes and create a vibrant dining experience.
• Create Texture Harmony with Coconut Rice: Prepare coconut rice as a side dish to echo the tropical marinade's flavors and add a creamy, complementary texture to the grilled chicken.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Variations

• Tropical Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating and grilling using the same flavorful brown sugar pineapple sauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Hawaiian Option: Skip the rice and serve the grilled chicken and pineapple over cauliflower rice or mixed greens for a lighter, keto-friendly meal.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: For indoor cooking, bake chicken in a preheated 375°F oven on a lined baking sheet, brushing with glaze every 10 minutes until fully cooked.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive dietary needs.

FAQs

• Why marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours?

Marinating allows the chicken to absorb the delicious flavors from the pineapple juice, brown sugar, and other seasonings. The acids in the marinade help tenderize the meat, creating a more flavorful and juicy result.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they might be thicker and require a few extra minutes on the grill to reach the proper internal temperature.

• Is sriracha necessary for the recipe?

No, sriracha is optional. If you prefer a milder flavor or don’t enjoy spicy food, you can easily skip it without compromising the overall taste of the dish. The other ingredients will still provide plenty of flavor.

• What if I don't have a grill?

You can use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven. For a grill pan, cook over medium-high heat, and for the oven, place the chicken on a baking sheet about 6 inches from the broiler, turning once to ensure even cooking.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy brown sugar pineapple chicken brings tropical sweetness to dinner tables with bold Hawaiian-inspired flavors. Succulent chicken breasts glazed in caramelized brown sugar and tangy pineapple create a simple yet memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken tenderloins

Sauce Base:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil

Thickening Agent:

• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking pineapple juice, brown sugar, lemon juice, ketchup, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, sriracha, garlic powder, salt, ground ginger, and onion powder in a medium bowl. Separate and refrigerate ⅓ cup for glazing purposes.
2. Transfer the remaining marinade and olive oil into a large freezer bag. Immerse chicken tenderloins, seal securely, and gently massage to distribute marinade evenly. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours, periodically rotating the bag to ensure thorough coating.
3. Remove chicken from refrigerator and allow to rest at ambient temperature for 15-30 minutes. Warm the grill to medium heat (375-450°F) and lightly oil grates to prevent adherence.
4. Extract chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drain. Position chicken on grill, cooking 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Concurrently, paint pineapple slices with melted butter and grill 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized with elegant char marks.
5. Create glaze by whisking cornstarch into reserved marinade in a small saucepan. Simmer while stirring frequently until mixture thickens, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. Lavish grilled chicken and pineapple with thickened glaze. Present over rice, garnishing with fresh orange zest and sliced green onions. Offer remaining glaze as an accompanying sauce.

Notes

• Marinade Magic: Let the chicken soak in the flavorful mixture for at least 2 hours to ensure maximum taste absorption and tender meat.
• Temperature Tricks: Allow chicken to rest at room temperature before grilling to promote even cooking and prevent drying out.
• Grill Mastery: Clean and oil grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful char marks on both chicken and pineapple.
• Sauce Salvation: Reserve some marinade for the glaze, which adds an extra layer of caramelized flavor and glossy finish to the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg