If you’re craving something that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and juicy, look no further than this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe. Inspired by Hawaiian-style Huli Huli chicken, this dish is infused with tropical pineapple juice, rich brown sugar, garlic, and soy sauce, creating a marinade that caramelizes beautifully whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing.
It’s perfect for summer BBQs, cozy family dinners, or meal prepping for the week. Best of all, it’s simple to make with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients.
Table of Contents
📝 Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
- Tropical Sweet & Savory Flavor: Pineapple juice and brown sugar make a sticky, golden glaze
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Grill, bake, or sear—it’s delicious either way
- Perfect for All Seasons: Light enough for summer, comforting enough for winter
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Marinates beautifully overnight and reheats well
- Family Favorite: Sweet, mild flavor appeals to kids and adults alike
🛒 Ingredients (Serves ~4)
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)
🕒 Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 1–12 hours
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes (excluding marination)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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
- Crockpot Method: Cook on low for 4–5 hours, then broil briefly to caramelize
- Vegetarian Alternative: Use tofu or cauliflower steaks with the same marinade
- Extra Glaze: Boil leftover marinade (not raw) for 5 minutes to thicken into a 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
🧬 Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~380
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 20g
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 720mg
Values are approximate and based on boneless chicken thighs
🌐 External Resources
- What Is Huli Huli Chicken – AllRecipes
- Guide to Grilling Chicken – The Kitchn
- Marinating Do’s and Don’ts – Bon Appétit
- Cooking with Pineapple – Food52
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, just make sure it’s 100% juice, not syrup. Fresh juice adds brightness but both work well.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour, but 6–12 hours is ideal for deep flavor. Avoid going beyond 24 hours.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Absolutely, just adjust cook time. Bone-in pieces may take 30–40 minutes in the oven.
Can I use this marinade on other proteins?
Yes! It’s great on pork chops, shrimp, tofu, or salmon.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely—just use a larger dish or grill in batches.
5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken : Sweet & Savory
- Total Time: 40 minutes (excluding marination)
Description
If you’re craving something that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and juicy, look no further than this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Spicy Version: Add 1–2 tsp sriracha or hot sauce to the marinade
- Crockpot Method: Cook on low for 4–5 hours, then broil briefly to caramelize
- Vegetarian Alternative: Use tofu or cauliflower steaks with the same marinade
- Extra Glaze: Boil leftover marinade (not raw) for 5 minutes to thicken into a glaze
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 11g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 32g
Keywords: Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken