The Sweetest Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe Ever Made

Sweet and tangy brown sugar pineapple chicken brings tropical magic to your dinner table.

Juicy chicken pieces dance with caramelized fruit notes in this mouthwatering dish.

Tropical ingredients come together faster than you can say “delicious.” Summer vibes fill your kitchen with every sizzling bite.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive meal that looks restaurant-worthy.

Colorful ingredients promise a flavor explosion that will make everyone ask for seconds.

One forkful and you’ll be transported to a beachside paradise.

Why Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Is Packed With Flavor

• Create Sweet and Savory Magic: Transform simple chicken into a mouthwatering tropical sensation with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Learn a restaurant-quality recipe that impresses guests while being surprisingly simple to prepare for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Adapt the recipe easily by grilling or baking, making it perfect for different cooking preferences and kitchen setups.
• Enjoy Healthy Protein Upgrade: Discover a delicious chicken dish packed with lean protein, fresh fruits, and bold, balanced seasonings that elevate your meal planning.

What You Need For Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this tropical-inspired dish.

• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory umami depth to the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a rich, caramelized sweetness that complements the pineapple.
• Garlic, Ginger: Fresh aromatics that create a robust and zesty flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste.

• Pineapple: Fresh tropical fruit that adds sweetness and juiciness to the dish.
• Lime: Provides a bright, citrusy finish to cut through the richness.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a vibrant, herbaceous note to the final presentation.

Easy Steps For Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Craft the Zesty Marinade

Whip up a flavor-packed marinade by combining soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, pineapple juice, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir until the ingredients blend into a tantalizing sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Soy sauce
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Pineapple juice
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and transfer them to a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece gets a thorough coating. Pop the chicken in the refrigerator and let it soak up the flavors for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 3: Fire Up the Cooking Station

Preheat the oven to 375°F or set up the grill to medium-high heat. Get ready to transform your chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Step 4: Set the Stage

Remove the chicken from the marinade, but keep the liquid for basting. Arrange pineapple pieces around the chicken in a baking dish or on a grill tray, creating a tropical backdrop for your culinary creation.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Slide the chicken into the oven or place it on the grill. Cook for 20-25 minutes, basting every 7-8 minutes with the reserved marinade. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.

Step 6: Add the Sweet Finale

During the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle additional brown sugar over the chicken and pineapple. Watch as a beautiful caramelized crust forms, adding depth and sweetness to your dish.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and succulent. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken and scatter chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Plate the caramelized chicken alongside the roasted pineapple pieces. Your tropical-inspired meal is ready to transport your taste buds to a culinary paradise. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors!

Smart Tips For Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

• Marinate Like a Pro: Let chicken soak in the flavorful mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow deep flavor penetration and tenderize the meat.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy chicken without overcooking.
• Boost Caramelization: Sprinkle extra brown sugar during the last few minutes of cooking to create a deliciously crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Baste chicken regularly with reserved marinade to keep the meat moist and enhance the tropical taste profile.
• Balance Sweet and Tangy: Squeeze fresh lime juice at the end to brighten the dish and cut through the richness of the caramelized brown sugar.

Ways To Mix Up Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

• Tropical Island Skewers: Thread marinated chicken and pineapple chunks onto wooden skewers, grilling for a portable and party-friendly version of the original recipe.
• Hawaiian Coconut Fusion: Add coconut milk to the marinade and coat chicken with shredded coconut before cooking for a richer, more decadent tropical experience.
• Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños into the marinade and sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra heat layer that complements the sweet pineapple.
• Caribbean Rum Infusion: Replace part of the pineapple juice with dark rum in the marinade, creating a deeper, more complex flavor profile with a subtle alcoholic undertone.

Sides That Go Well With Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

• Pair with Tropical White Wine: Select a crisp, light-bodied Riesling or Gewürztraminer that complements the sweet and tangy pineapple flavors, enhancing the dish's tropical profile.
• Create Coconut Rice Side: Prepare coconut rice with jasmine or basmati rice, using coconut milk instead of water, which provides a creamy, complementary texture to the caramelized chicken.
• Match with Bright Cocktail: Mix a refreshing Hawaiian-inspired cocktail like a Mai Tai or Pineapple Mojito, featuring rum and fresh pineapple juice that mirrors the recipe's fruity undertones.

How To Store Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Right

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm chicken gently in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, use the microwave in short 30-second intervals, checking to maintain juiciness.
• Keep pineapple pieces in a separate container from the chicken to prevent sogginess.

FAQs About Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

• Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned pineapple rings or chunks. Just drain and pat them dry before using, and make sure to reserve the juice for the marinade.

• Is it okay to marinate chicken overnight?

While 30 minutes to 2 hours is recommended, marinating overnight can make the chicken too acidic. If you want to prep ahead, marinate for maximum 4-6 hours to maintain the best flavor and texture.

• What if I don't have fresh ginger?

You can substitute fresh ginger with 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and aromatic.

• Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great for this recipe.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour to 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy brown sugar pineapple chicken brings tropical sweetness to weeknight dinners with minimal effort. Caramelized glazed chicken promises a delightful flavor explosion you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 pineapple
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp ginger
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime (for juice and garnish)

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Instructions

1. Peel and slice the pineapple into rings or chunks, reserving 1/4 cup of juice for the sauce.
2. Combine soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, pineapple juice, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant marinade.
3. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish.
4. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F or prepare grill to medium-high heat.
6. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the liquid for basting.
7. Arrange pineapple pieces around the chicken in a baking dish or on a grill tray.
8. Cook chicken for 20-25 minutes, basting every 7-8 minutes with reserved marinade, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle additional brown sugar over chicken and pineapple for caramelization.
10. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
11. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
12. Plate the caramelized chicken alongside the roasted pineapple pieces for a tropical-inspired meal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor depth and tenderness.
• Reserve some marinade for basting to keep meat juicy and prevent drying out during cooking.
• Adjust cooking time based on chicken breast thickness to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
• For low-carb variation, replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce sugar content.
• Experiment with different protein options like tofu or salmon for dietary preferences and variety.
• Pat chicken completely dry before marinating to ensure better marinade absorption and optimal caramelization.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness and food safety.
• Allow chicken to rest after cooking to redistribute internal juices and maintain maximum moisture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg