Make 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken for a Delicious Dinner

Get ready to indulge in a flavor explosion with our mouthwatering 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken! This recipe takes the classic chicken dish to new heights, blending sweet, savory, and tangy notes for a truly irresistible experience. Tender, juicy chicken is marinated in a delectable brown sugar and pineapple juice mixture, then grilled, baked, or pan-seared to perfection. The result is a dish that will have your taste buds dancing with joy and your family begging for seconds. Dive in and discover why this 5-star recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ½ cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
• 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 breasts
• 1 tbsp oil for searing or grilling
• Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl or large resealable bag, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Add chicken and toss to coat. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight for best flavor.

Choose Your Cooking Method

Option A: Grill

Preheat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Grill chicken 5–6 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush with extra marinade while grilling, then discard any remaining marinade.

Option B: Bake

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

Option C: Pan-Sear

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until caramelized and fully cooked. Add a little leftover marinade during the last 2 minutes for a quick glaze.

Garnish & Serve

Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Suggested Sides

• Coconut rice or jasmine rice
• Grilled pineapple slices
• Garlic sautéed green beans
• Simple cucumber salad with sesame-lime dressing

Variations & Tips

Spicy Version

Add 1–2 tsp sriracha or hot sauce to the marinade for a little extra kick.

Crockpot Method

Cook the marinated chicken on low for 4–5 hours, then broil briefly to caramelize the exterior.

Vegetarian Alternative

Use tofu or cauliflower steaks with the same marinade for a plant-based twist.

Extra Glaze

Boil leftover marinade (not raw) for 5 minutes to thicken into a delectable glaze.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze

Freeze marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months.

Reheat

Microwave or warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat.

FAQs

How can I adjust the sweetness of the 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken if I prefer it less sweet?

If you find the original recipe too sweet, there are a few adjustments you can make. Start by reducing the amount of brown sugar in the marinade; you can decrease it to 1/3 cup or even 1/4 cup, depending on your taste. Additionally, consider using less pineapple juice or opting for a less sweet variety, such as unsweetened pineapple juice. You can also balance the sweetness by adding more soy sauce or vinegar to enhance the savory and acidic notes, which will help to counteract the sweetness.

Can I use other types of meat or seafood instead of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe is designed for chicken, you can easily substitute other proteins. Pork tenderloin or shrimp are excellent alternatives; just be mindful of adjusting cooking times. For pork, cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, and for shrimp, aim for 3-5 minutes on the grill or in a pan until they are opaque. Tofu is also a great vegetarian option; just press and cube it before marinating to allow it to absorb the flavors effectively.

What is the best way to ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender during cooking?

To keep the chicken juicy and tender, start by marinating it for the recommended time, as this helps break down the proteins and infuse moisture. When cooking, avoid overcooking; use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 165°F for chicken. Additionally, allowing the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking will help redistribute the juices. If baking, consider covering the chicken with foil for the first part of the cooking process to retain moisture.

How do I make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?

To make 5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken gluten-free, simply substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative, such as tamari or coconut aminos. These options provide a similar umami flavor without the gluten. Additionally, ensure that your brown sugar is free from additives, as some brands may contain gluten-containing anti-caking agents. By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the dish without any gluten concerns.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Sticky Pineapple Chicken
• Barbecue Pineapple Chicken
• Pineapple Chicken and Rice

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