Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering. Marinated in a tangy pineapple and soy sauce blend, the chicken becomes tender and bursting with tropical goodness.

Ingredients

• 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)
• 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

1. Step 1: 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.
2. Step 2: Choose your cooking method:
   1. 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.
   2. 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.
   3. 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.
3. Step 3: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the pineapple juice and spices to tenderize the meat fully.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier results, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
• Substitute pineapple juice with orange juice for a different citrus twist.
• If you like it spicy, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the marinade.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to prevent drying out. The marinade is not safe to reuse or consume unless boiled first.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken to ensure even marinating and cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before marinating.

Is this recipe suitable for grilling on a gas or charcoal grill?

Yes, this recipe works well on both gas and charcoal grills. Just be sure to oil the grates to prevent sticking and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 75 reviews

This Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and spices. Perfectly balanced with hints of garlic, ginger, and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes, this versatile recipe can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared for a delicious meal any time of year. Garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, it serves as an exciting centerpiece that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or vegetables.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (baking) or 12 minutes (grilling) or 14 minutes (pan-searing)
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time, minimum 1 hour)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling, Baking, Pan-Searing (Primary method: Grilling)
• Cuisine: American with Asian-inspired flavors

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl or large resealable plastic bag, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until fully combined. Add the chicken pieces and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though marinating overnight is recommended for the best depth of flavor.
2. Choose Your Cooking Method – Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). While grilling, brush the chicken occasionally with the extra marinade to enhance flavor, but discard any leftover marinade after use to ensure safety.
3. Choose Your Cooking Method – Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken evenly in a baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, occasionally basting the chicken once or twice with the remaining marinade. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on top.
4. Choose Your Cooking Method – Pan-Sear: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the hot pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, allowing a beautiful caramelized crust to form. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add a small amount of leftover marinade to the pan to create a quick glaze, enhancing the flavor and shine of the chicken.
5. Garnish & Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Slice the chicken if desired and garnish with fresh sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an appealing presentation and extra flavor.

Notes

• Marinating overnight allows the flavors to fully penetrate the chicken for more tender and flavorful results.
• If using wooden skewers on the grill, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
• Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh diced chili to the marinade.
• Serve with steamed rice, sautéed greens, or a fresh salad to make a complete meal.

Keywords: brown sugar chicken, pineapple chicken, grilled chicken, baked chicken, pan-seared chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, easy chicken recipe, Asian-inspired chicken