Description
A succulent dish combining juicy chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy brown sugar pineapple marinade, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl or large resealable bag, whisk together all the marinade ingredients—brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. Add the chicken, tossing it with the marinade until well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, let it marinate overnight.
- Choose Your Cooking Method:
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Grill the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush it with extra marinade for added flavor, but discard any that touches the raw chicken.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, basting once or twice with the remaining marinade, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Pan-Sear: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until it caramelizes and is fully cooked. For a quick glaze, add a little leftover marinade during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish & Serve: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Marinate overnight for enhanced flavor. Consider adding vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, brown sugar, pineapple, marinade, grilling, easy dinner