Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that beautifully combines the sweetness of pineapple and brown sugar with the savory richness of marinated chicken. This unique blend of sweet and savory flavors makes it an ideal dish for grilling, especially during the summer months when outdoor cooking is in full swing. The caramelized brown sugar complements the tangy pineapple, creating a succulent glaze that elevates the grilled chicken to a new level of taste.

One of the reasons this dish is perfect for grilling is how well the ingredients hold up to high heat. The pineapple slices, whether fresh or canned, develop a delightful char on the grill, enhancing their sweetness. The chicken tenderloins, which are an ideal cut for grilling due to their size and tenderness, soak up the marinade and remain juicy and flavorful.

Not only is this dish easy to prepare, but it’s also versatile enough to be served with a variety of sides. Pair it with steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal, or even a fresh summer salad to keep it light. Its sweet and savory balance, along with its ease of preparation, makes it a family-friendly meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year. Simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques make this a recipe that even novice cooks can master.

Ingredients Breakdown

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Tenderloins: Chicken tenderloins are the ideal cut for grilling due to their tenderness and small size, which allows for even cooking. They absorb the marinade well, resulting in juicy, flavorful bites.
• Pineapple: Pineapple can be used fresh or canned in this recipe, depending on your preference. Fresh pineapple adds a slightly firmer texture, while canned pineapple offers convenience and a sweeter flavor. Grilling pineapple caramelizes its natural sugars, enhancing the dish’s sweetness and adding a delicious charred note.

Marinade Ingredients:

• Sweetness: The marinade’s sweetness comes from pineapple juice and brown sugar. The brown sugar helps create a sticky, caramelized exterior on the chicken when grilled.
• Tanginess: Lemon juice, ketchup, and red wine vinegar balance the sweetness by adding a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the brown sugar.
• Seasoning Blend: Garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and a touch of sriracha (optional) create a savory base for the marinade, adding depth and a mild hint of spice. The blend ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.

Optional Garnishes:

• Orange Zest and Green Onions: Garnishing the dish with orange zest adds a refreshing citrus pop that complements the pineapple, while green onions provide a fresh, crunchy contrast.
• Rice: Serving this dish over white or brown rice makes it a complete meal, as the rice soaks up the extra glaze, enhancing every bite with the sweet and tangy sauce.

Preparation and Cooking Process

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

Start by preparing the marinade, which is key to infusing the chicken with rich, bold flavors. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, lemon juice, ketchup, red wine vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, Dijon mustard, sriracha (optional), garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and salt. This mixture combines sweetness, tanginess, and a bit of heat to create a balanced marinade.

Once the marinade is mixed, set aside ⅓ cup of it in a small bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. This portion will be used later to make the glaze.

To marinate the chicken, place your chicken tenderloins in a large freezer bag, then pour in the remaining marinade along with ¼ cup of olive oil. Seal the bag tightly and gently massage the chicken to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Place the sealed bag in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4 hours, to allow the flavors to fully develop. For best results, don’t exceed 12 hours, as over-marination can cause the chicken to become too tender.

Pro Tip: To ensure even marination, make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the liquid, occasionally flipping the bag halfway through the marination period.

Prepping for the Grill 

When you’re ready to grill, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes. This step is crucial because grilling cold chicken can lead to uneven cooking, with the exterior cooking faster than the interior. Bringing the chicken to room temperature ensures it grills more evenly.

While the chicken rests, preheat your grill to medium heat, around 375 to 450°F. This temperature is ideal for cooking tenderloins without drying them out. It’s important to preheat the grill thoroughly so that the chicken gets a nice sear when it hits the grates, locking in the moisture and flavor. Additionally, grease the grill grates with oil or non-stick spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Pro Tip: If using a charcoal grill, let the coals turn white before cooking to ensure the grill has reached the correct temperature.

Grilling the Chicken and Pineapple

Grilling Chicken

Once the grill is ready, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes per side. Avoid flipping the chicken too early, as this will prevent it from developing the beautiful char marks that enhance both flavor and presentation. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before removing it from the grill. Proper temperature ensures the chicken is fully cooked while still juicy and tender.

Pro Tip: Resist the urge to press down on the chicken with a spatula, as this can cause the juices to escape, leaving the chicken dry.

Grilling Pineapple

While the chicken is grilling, prepare the pineapple slices. If using canned pineapple, drain any liquid and pat the slices dry to avoid steaming on the grill. Brush both sides of the pineapple slices with melted butter, which helps caramelize the natural sugars and enhances the sweetness of the fruit.

Place the pineapple slices on the grill and cook them for 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when grill marks appear, and the edges start to caramelize. This process intensifies the pineapple’s natural sweetness, giving it a rich, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the savory chicken.

Pro Tip: Fresh pineapple works just as well and often provides a slightly firmer texture when grilled.

Making the Glaze

How to Thicken the Reserved Marinade 

To make the glaze, take the ⅓ cup of marinade that was set aside earlier and pour it into a small saucepan. Whisk in 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, which will act as a thickening agent. Place the saucepan on the stovetop or on the grill, covering it to help the sauce come to a simmer. Once the mixture starts simmering, remove the lid and continue to whisk it for 1-2 minutes, or until it thickens into a smooth glaze. The cornstarch helps bind the sauce, giving it a rich consistency perfect for brushing over the chicken.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the glaze to avoid overcooking, as it can thicken too much if left on the heat for too long.

Using the Glaze 

Once the chicken and pineapple are fully grilled, generously brush them with the thickened glaze for a final burst of flavor. The glaze not only adds shine but also deepens the caramelized sweetness of the dish. Serve any remaining glaze as a dipping sauce for the chicken and grilled pineapple, or drizzle it over white or brown rice to bring the entire meal together.

Pro Tip: For added flair, garnish the finished dish with fresh orange zest and sliced green onions just before serving.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serving Suggestions and Garnishing

How to Plate the Dish 

To create a visually appealing and well-balanced plate, start by spooning a generous portion of white or brown rice onto each plate as the base. White rice, like jasmine or basmati, offers a mild flavor that allows the sweet and savory notes of the chicken and pineapple to shine. Brown rice, with its nuttier, heartier texture, adds a wholesome element to the meal.

Next, place the grilled chicken tenderloins on top of the rice, and arrange the caramelized pineapple slices alongside the chicken. The golden char on the pineapple adds a vibrant contrast to the rice and chicken. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the chicken and rice for added flavor and shine.

Garnishing Tips 

For a finishing touch, sprinkle freshly grated orange zest over the chicken and pineapple. The citrusy aroma brightens the entire dish, adding a pop of color and a subtle zing that complements the sweetness of the pineapple. Thinly sliced green onions also make an excellent garnish, bringing a fresh, crunchy texture and a touch of color that balances the dish’s richness. These garnishes elevate both the presentation and flavor profile of the meal.

Side Dish and Beverage Pairing Ideas

Side Dishes 

To round out the meal, consider serving the Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken with complementary side dishes that offer fresh and light contrasts. Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, add a healthy, vibrant element that balances the richness of the chicken and glaze. Grilled corn is another excellent option, as its smoky sweetness pairs naturally with the pineapple and brown sugar. A fresh, crisp salad with a citrus vinaigrette can also enhance the meal with its light, tangy flavors.

For the rice base, both jasmine and basmati rice work beautifully, as their subtle flavors don’t overpower the dish but provide a comforting foundation.

Beverage Pairing 

For beverage pairings, consider tropical-inspired drinks that complement the dish’s flavors. A refreshing tropical cocktail like a piña colada or a mojito brings out the sweetness of the pineapple while balancing the savory chicken. Iced tea with lemon offers a light and non-alcoholic option that pairs well with the dish’s citrus notes. For wine lovers, a chilled light white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Riesling, adds a crisp, fruity contrast that enhances the meal’s overall brightness.

Recipe Variations and Tips for Success

Variations and Modifications

Alternative Marinades

For those looking to experiment with different flavor profiles, there are several substitutions you can make to the original marinade. Instead of red wine vinegar, try using apple cider vinegar, which provides a milder tang with a hint of fruitiness. Apple cider vinegar pairs particularly well with the sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar, adding a subtle complexity to the dish.

If you want to give the dish a tropical twist, you can substitute the pineapple juice with other fruit juices such as orange juice or mango juice. Orange juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor, while mango juice imparts a rich, tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with the grilled chicken and pineapple. For an extra layer of flavor, try experimenting with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint in the marinade to complement the fruitiness.

Dietary Adjustments 

To make the dish gluten-free, simply replace regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Tamari offers the same savory, umami-rich flavor as soy sauce, without the gluten.

For those looking to reduce sugar intake, you can adjust the amount of brown sugar in the marinade. Try reducing the sugar by half and balancing it with extra pineapple juice for sweetness. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to add complexity to the sweetness without using refined sugar.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Grilling Techniques 

Grilling chicken to perfection requires monitoring both the grill’s temperature and the internal temperature of the chicken. The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F, ensuring it is both safe to eat and still juicy. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, especially when grilling tenderloins, as they can cook quickly. Avoid overcooking by removing the chicken from the grill once it reaches the desired temperature.

To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill, make sure the grates are well-oiled and preheated. Brush the grill with oil before placing the chicken on it, and resist the urge to move or flip the chicken too soon. Let the chicken develop grill marks before turning, which also helps create a flavorful crust.

Best Practices for Marinating 

Marinating the chicken for a longer period enhances its flavor, as the marinade has more time to penetrate the meat. Ideally, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but no longer than 12 hours, as over-marination can lead to mushy texture. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade by turning the bag or container occasionally, and always marinate in the refrigerator to prevent bacteria growth.

FAQs

Can I bake this dish instead of grilling it?
Yes, you can bake this dish if you don’t have access to a grill. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a slightly caramelized exterior. For the pineapple, place the slices on a separate baking sheet and broil them for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned.

How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but ideally up to 4 hours. This gives the marinade enough time to infuse the chicken with flavor without overwhelming it. If you marinate for less than 2 hours, the flavors may not be as intense. However, marinating for longer than 12 hours can cause the chicken to become overly tender or mushy, as the acids in the marinade break down the protein too much.

What are good alternatives to chicken tenderloins?
If you don’t have chicken tenderloins, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken breasts may require a slightly longer cooking time, approximately 6-7 minutes per side, due to their thickness. Chicken thighs, which are naturally more flavorful and juicy, may take about 7-8 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple can be used instead of canned. Fresh pineapple tends to have a firmer texture and a slightly less sweet taste, but it grills beautifully. Simply slice the fresh pineapple into rings or chunks, removing the core, and grill as you would with canned pineapple. The preparation is similar, but fresh pineapple may take a minute or two longer on the grill to soften and caramelize.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe works well for meal prep. Store the cooked chicken and pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, warm the chicken in a microwave or oven to retain its juiciness. For the best results, heat the glaze separately and drizzle it over the reheated chicken and pineapple just before serving. This way, the dish maintains its freshness and flavor throughout the week.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken is a must-try dish for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and savory flavors. Its blend of juicy chicken tenderloins, caramelized pineapple, and rich brown sugar glaze makes it a standout recipe that’s perfect for grilling. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it suitable for family dinners, casual gatherings, or summer barbecues. The simplicity of the marinade and the straightforward cooking process means even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients, marinades, or serving styles to make the recipe your own. Whether you serve it with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables, this dish is sure to be a hit.

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