Star Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
