Zesty Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe to Wow

Ready to unleash a tropical storm of flavor with this spicy pineapple brown sugar chicken that dances between sweet and fiery?

Sweet heat radiates from every succulent bite of this dish.

Caramelized edges promise incredible depth for your palate.

Juicy chicken pieces swim in a glaze that whispers tropical secrets.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this recipe a total game-changer for weeknight dinners.

Each forkful delivers a punch of excitement that keeps you coming back for more.

We promise this meal will become your new obsession – prepare to be amazed!

What Makes Pineapple Chicken So Tasty

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep work and simple ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy families looking for a delicious dinner solution without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Grill-Friendly Delight: Designed for outdoor cooking, this recipe allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cleanup and maximum taste satisfaction.
• Customizable Heat Level: Easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing chili powder and red pepper flakes to suit different taste preferences and family members' spice tolerances.

Ingredients For Spicy Pineapple Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat perfect for grilling with a sweet and spicy flavor profile.

• Pineapple Juice: Sweet tropical liquid that adds moisture and tangy notes.
• Brown Sugar: Rich, caramel-like sweetener that creates a delicious glaze.
• BBQ Sauce: Smoky and tangy sauce that enhances overall flavor.

• Chili Powder: Warm and slightly hot seasoning that brings depth.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy ingredient that adds a fiery kick to the dish.

• Ziplock Bag: Convenient container for marinating chicken.
• Grill: Essential cooking equipment for preparing the meat.

Cooking Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken

Step 1: Craft Zesty Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, chili powder, and red pepper flakes until the ingredients blend smoothly and create a vibrant, tangy mixture.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken for Marinating

Place chicken pieces into a large gallon ziplock bag, ensuring they are evenly distributed and ready to absorb the flavorful marinade.

Step 3: Submerge Chicken in Flavor

Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken in the ziplock bag, making sure each piece is completely coated.

Seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible.

Step 4: Allow Flavors to Develop

Refrigerate the marinating chicken for 2 to 4 hours, letting the sweet and spicy marinade penetrate and tenderize the meat.

Step 5: Prepare Grill for Cooking

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, creating the perfect environment for achieving a delicious char and perfectly cooked chicken.

Step 6: Remove Chicken from Marinade

Take the chicken out of the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off before placing on the grill.

Discard the remaining marinade.

Step 7: Grill to Perfection

Place chicken on the grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks.

Step 8: Check Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing it is fully cooked and juicy.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.

Tips For Pineapple Chicken Success

• Allow chicken to absorb flavors for at least 2 hours but no more than 4 to prevent meat from becoming mushy and maintain optimal texture.
• Always use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken, and wash hands thoroughly after handling to avoid potential bacterial spread.
• Use a reliable meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165ºF at its thickest part, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat every time.
• Maintain medium-high heat and turn chicken occasionally to achieve beautiful grill marks without burning the sugary marinade.
• Reduce red pepper flakes and chili powder for a milder version, or increase for extra heat, making the recipe adaptable to different spice preferences.

Store And Reheat Pineapple Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping it moist and fresh.
• Reheat individual portions at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Drizzle extra pineapple marinade over reheated chicken to restore moisture and enhance flavor.

Perfect Sides For Pineapple Chicken

• Pair Tropical Cocktails: Mix a refreshing pineapple mojito with white rum, fresh mint, and a splash of lime juice to complement the sweet and spicy chicken flavors.
• Match Cooling Side Dishes: Serve a crisp cucumber salad with yogurt dressing to balance the heat and provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy marinade.
• Select Complementary Wines: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer with fruity notes that can stand up to the bold, spicy-sweet chicken marinade.
• Create Herb-Infused Rice: Prepare coconut jasmine rice with fresh cilantro to enhance the tropical pineapple elements and absorb the delicious chicken juices.

Fun Spins On Pineapple Chicken

• Tropical Coconut Lime Chicken: Replace pineapple juice with coconut milk and add fresh lime juice for a lighter, zestier marinade that brings Caribbean flair to the dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and swap regular chili powder with pure ground chili to ensure the recipe meets dietary restrictions while maintaining bold flavors.
• Low-Sodium Version: Select a reduced-sodium BBQ sauce, cut back on added salt, and use fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions to boost flavor without increasing sodium content.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating plant-based protein for the same duration to absorb the spicy-sweet sauce and grill until golden and crispy.

FAQs

• What makes the marinade so flavorful?

The combination of sweet pineapple juice, rich brown sugar, tangy BBQ sauce, and spicy chili powder and red pepper flakes creates a complex, balanced flavor profile that infuses the chicken with depth and excitement.

• Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work perfectly. Just ensure you adjust cooking time slightly based on the cut’s thickness to maintain juiciness and reach the safe internal temperature of 165ºF.

• Do I need to discard the marinade after using?

Never use the original marinade directly on cooked chicken due to raw meat bacteria. If you want a sauce, reserve a portion before adding raw chicken or create a fresh batch for basting or serving.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked without a meat thermometer?

While a thermometer is most accurate, you can check by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken. The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas, and juices should run clear.

Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Fiery meets sweet in this sensational Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken, where tropical tang dances with caramelized depth. Sizzling skillet flavors promise a culinary journey that will tantalize taste buds and spark dinner excitement.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Liquid and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pineapple juice
• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) BBQ sauce
• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) chili powder
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by blending pineapple juice, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, chili powder, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl, whisking until the ingredients fully incorporate.
2. Transfer raw chicken into a large resealable plastic bag, carefully pouring the prepared marinade over the meat to ensure complete coverage.
3. Seal the bag securely, gently massaging the liquid to distribute the marinade evenly across the chicken pieces.
4. Refrigerate the marinating chicken for a minimum of 2 hours and up to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
5. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and discard the remaining marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
6. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, creating optimal cooking conditions for the marinated chicken.
7. Place the chicken on the hot grill, cooking each side until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 12 to 15 minutes total.
8. Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature has reached 165ºF, ensuring the chicken is safe to consume and remains juicy.
9. Let the grilled chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Notes

• Choose fresh, ripe pineapple for maximum sweetness and vibrant flavor in the marinade.
• Let chicken marinate closer to 4 hours for deeper taste penetration and more tender meat.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes and chili powder to match personal heat tolerance.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out, checking multiple spots for consistent temperature.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg