5-Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken : Sweet & Savory

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.

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📝 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.

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🍚 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

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❓ 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.

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