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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken: A Sweet Summer Grill Sensation

Enjoy this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken recipe for a sweet and savory summer grilling experience.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 370

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 pound Chicken Tenderloins or thin-cut boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil for moisture and marinating
  • 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice fresh juice is best
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar or coconut sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice or lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons Ketchup can use sugar-free version
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard or regular mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha optional
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger or fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder or chopped fresh onions
For the Glaze
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch for thickening
  • 2 tablespoons Green Onions for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon Orange Zest for flavor
For Serving
  • 2 cups Cooked White or Brown Rice to absorb glaze flavors
  • 1 cup Pineapple Slices grilled, fresh or canned

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • Freezer bag
  • Grill
  • saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
  1. Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, lemon juice, ketchup, red wine vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, Dijon mustard, Sriracha (if using), garlic powder, salt, ground ginger, and onion powder. Set aside a portion to use later as a glaze.
  2. Marinate Chicken: In a freezer bag, mix 1/3 cup of the marinade with olive oil, then add the chicken tenderloins. Seal the bag and gently massage to coat the chicken evenly. Place in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours.
  3. Preheat Grill: About 30 minutes before grilling, take the marinated chicken out of the fridge to sit at room temperature. Preheat your grill to medium (375-450°F).
  4. Grill Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry. Grill for 5-6 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Grill Pineapple: Brush pineapple slices with melted butter and grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
  6. Prepare Glaze: In a saucepan, combine the reserved marinade with cornstarch and heat over medium until it simmers and thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Glaze Chicken: Brush the warm glaze over grilled chicken and serve with grilled pineapple, garnished with green onions and orange zest.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Marination matters for flavor depth. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Only use cooked marinade as glaze.

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