I love sharing my favorite grilling recipes with my foodie friends like my new obsessive worthy sticky, sweet and tangy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken!
The chicken is marinated in a delectable pineapple sauce which doubles as the tantalizing Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze that you brush all over your chicken after grilling. This is one of my favorite methods of cooking – to reserve some of the marinade, whisk it with cornstarch and it instantly becomes your glaze – double the flavor WITHOUT double work!
The to-live-for marinade/glaze is a harmonious concoction of brown sugar, pineapple juice, lemon juice, ketchup, soy, and Dijon for added depth and some spices. This ingredient list might seem a bit lengthy but keep in mind, you are simply whisking the ingredients together and that is all your prep work for a total of maybe 5 minutes AND you have almost zero dishes – another fabulous thing about grilling.
Happy summer and happy grilling with Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins or boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Chicken Marinade/Glaze:
- 1 cup canned pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon brown sugar lightly packed
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon sriracha optional
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Garnish:
- green onions
- extra sriracha to taste
Instructions
- Whisk the Marinade/Glaze ingredients together in a medium bowl. Add 1/3 cup to a large freezer bag and whisk in 1/4 cup olive oil. Add the chicken and marinate 2-4 hours in the refrigerator. Refrigerate reserved the glaze separately.
- When ready to grill, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, grease and preheat grill to medium heat, 375 to 450°F.
- Drain chicken from the marinade and pat dry. Grill the chicken undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through. (An inserted thermometer should read 165 degrees F when chicken is done.)
- Meanwhile, add reserved glaze to a small saucepan and whisk in 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Place covered saucepan on the grill (or stove) and bring to a simmer (this can be done after the chicken is cooked if you don't have room on your grill). Once simmering, remove lid and whisk until thickened. Brush cooked chicken with glaze and serve any extra as a sauce for rice.
- Garnish chicken with orange zest and green onions (optional).
Notes
- Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Once very hot, drain chicken from marinade, pat dry and add to skillet. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, or until nicely browned on one side. Turn chicken over, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Cook for approximately 3-5 more minutes (depending on thickness of chicken), or until chicken is cooked through. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
- Whisk 2 teaspoons cornstarch to reserved Glaze and add to now empty skillet. Bring to a simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally. Add chicken to Glaze and toss to coat. Garnish chicken with lemon zest and green onions and additional chili sauce to taste (optional).
Nutrition
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Loretta says
This was good the first night, and GREAT the second. I cooked the marinade until it reduced to a sauce consistency and served over the leftover chicken along with squash ravioli. Sooooooooooo good!
Brenda DeRosier says
I made this recipe for supper tonight and it was awesome. I also grilled some fresh pineapple rings brushed with the marinade sauce and it was outstanding. Thanks for the recipe….. it’s a keeper.
Kelly says
How are pineapple slices grilled? Plain? Brushed with oil? Seasoned in any way?
Lacey says
I wondered that too.
Taylor says
I actually just made this last night after finding it on Pinterest! I am no cooking guru and I found this easy and loved that I had mostly ingredients on hand. Thank you so much for a quick dinner idea at that satisfied my hubby and I!