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.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken tenderloins
Sauce Base:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
Thickening Agent:
- 2 teaspoons (10 grams) cornstarch
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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