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This pineapple brown sugar chicken combines sweet and spicy flavors. Pineapple juice and brown sugar create sweetness, while chili powder adds heat. BBQ sauce brings a smoky taste. It's an easy dinner that works well for both weeknight meals and grilling outdoors.
Why Make This Chicken
This recipe is simple but full of flavor. The mix of sweet pineapple and mild spice makes regular chicken more interesting. It works well for family dinners or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- Pineapple Juice: Gives sweet, tropical flavor. Orange juice works if needed.
- BBQ Sauce: Adds smokiness. Pick your favorite type - sweet, spicy, or tangy.
- Brown Sugar: Makes it sweeter. Honey or maple syrup work too.
- Chili Powder: For spiciness. Use less for milder taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds heat. Adjust amount to taste.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Main ingredient. Thighs work too but need different cooking time.
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Instructions
- Mix Marinade:
- In a large bowl, mix 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon chili powder, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir until sugar dissolves completely.
- Marinate Chicken:
- Put chicken in ziplock bag. Pour marinade over it. Push out air and seal bag. Move chicken around to coat well. Put in fridge for 2-4 hours. Turn bag over halfway through.
- Heat Grill:
- Set grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Clean grates well. Oil grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Chicken:
- Take chicken from marinade. Throw away leftover marinade. Put chicken on grill. Cook 6-7 minutes per side or until temperature inside reaches 165°F. Check thickest part with meat thermometer.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove chicken from grill. Let rest 5 minutes before cutting. This keeps juices inside.
About The Flavors
The chicken soaks up sweet pineapple juice and BBQ sauce, while chili powder and red pepper add warmth. The mix creates juicy chicken with both sweet and spicy tastes in each bite.
About The Ingredients
Each ingredient has a purpose. Pineapple juice makes it tangy, brown sugar adds sweetness, and BBQ sauce gives smoky flavor. Chili powder and red pepper create the spicy kick that balances the sweet parts.
Marinating Tips
Mix marinade well before adding chicken. Let chicken marinate 2-4 hours in the fridge - this is enough time for good flavor. Don't marinate longer than 4 hours or chicken might get mushy. Turn the bag over once to make sure all sides get equal flavor.
Cooking Methods
You can grill outside for smoky flavor or cook inside in oven or pan. For oven, bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. For pan, cook on medium-high 6-7 minutes each side. Always check temperature reaches 165°F inside.
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What to Serve With It
Serve with green salad, mac and cheese, roasted potatoes, or cooked vegetables. Rice also works well to soak up the sauce. These sides help balance the sweet and spicy chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Don't have BBQ sauce - what else works?
- Mix 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- Mix well and use like BBQ sauce
- Tastes different but still good
- → Want it spicier?
- More red pepper flakes
- Add cayenne pepper
- Fresh chopped jalapeño
- Hot sauce
- Sriracha sauce
- Start with a little - you can always add more
- → Can I make this without meat?
- Firm tofu, pressed dry
- Big portobello mushrooms
- Cauliflower steaks
- Seitan chunks
- Same marinade works for all
- Adjust cooking time (usually less)
- → How long should I marinate?
- Minimum: 2 hours
- Best: 4-6 hours
- Max: 8 hours
- Don't go longer or chicken gets mushy
- If rushed, even 30 minutes helps
- Score chicken to help marinade work faster
- → No grill - can I use the oven?
- Heat oven to 375°F
- Put chicken in a baking dish
- Cook 25-30 minutes
- Brush with marinade while cooking
- Check it's done (no pink inside)
- Let rest 5 minutes before cutting
Conclusion
Like this recipe? Try these too: Put chicken and pineapple chunks on skewers with brown sugar glaze, make teriyaki chicken with pineapple juice, or try spicy pineapple wings for game day.