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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken with sticky glaze, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and steamed rice
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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken pairs tender chicken with a glossy pineapple, brown sugar, and soy marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, in the oven, or in a skillet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup fresh or canned pineapple juice
  • 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil, for the grill or skillet
  • Sliced green onions, optional garnish
  • Sesame seeds, optional garnish

Instructions

  1. Whisk the brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes until the sugar begins to dissolve.
  2. Add the chicken and turn each piece until fully coated. Cover or seal, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour; an overnight rest gives the deepest flavor.
  3. For grilling, heat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates lightly. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side, until the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. For baking, heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken in a baking dish and cook for 20–25 minutes, brushing once or twice with marinade that was reserved before touching raw chicken.
  5. For pan-searing, warm 1 tablespoon cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, then add a little safe reserved marinade during the final 2 minutes to form a quick glaze.
  6. Rest the cooked chicken for 5 minutes before slicing. Finish with green onions and sesame seeds, if using.

Notes

  • The listed total time does not include the marinating period.
  • Chicken is ready when its thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Only brush with marinade kept separate from the raw chicken, or boil used marinade thoroughly before serving it.
  • Chicken thighs stay especially juicy, while chicken breasts should be watched closely to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken, pineapple chicken, brown sugar chicken, sweet and savory chicken, glazed chicken

Find it online: https://thekitchenfinesse.com/2026/07/28/brown-sugar-pineapple-chicken/