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This brown sugar pineapple chicken brings a sweet and tangy brightness to your weeknight dinners, making grilling both simple and satisfying. The marinade blends tropical pineapple juice with the rich caramel notes of brown sugar and the smoky depth of BBQ sauce, creating a delightful glaze that caramelizes beautifully over the grill.
I first tried this recipe on a summer evening with friends around the grill. It quickly became a go-to because it never fails to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients List
- Pineapple juice: for natural sweetness and tenderizing the chicken choose fresh or 100% juice with no additives for best flavor
- Brown sugar: adds rich caramel notes pick dark brown sugar for deeper molasses taste
- BBQ sauce: brings smoky and tangy depth select your favorite brand or homemade version for a personal touch
- Boneless chicken tenders: for quick cooking and easy serving select evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform grilling
Cooking Steps
- Prepare the marinade:
- Whisk together pineapple juice brown sugar and BBQ sauce until the sugar dissolves fully and the mixture is smooth. Reserve a quarter cup to brush on the chicken later
- Marinate the chicken:
- Place chicken tenders in a sealable plastic bag pour in the marinade (except the reserved portion) seal tightly and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours. Avoid marinating longer to keep the texture just right
- Grill the chicken:
- Preheat grill to medium heat remove chicken from marinade and place on grill cook for 8 to 10 minutes turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks
- Finish with reserved marinade:
- Brush the chicken generously on both sides with the reserved marinade while still on the grill this step locks in extra flavor and gives a glossy finish
The pineapple juice is my favorite part as it tenderizes the chicken while adding fruity brightness. Serving this chicken at summer cookouts always sparks compliments and requests for the recipe from family.
Best storage practices
Cool leftover chicken completely before transferring to an airtight container Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month Reheat gently in the oven or a skillet to keep the glaze from drying out
Ingredient swaps
Try substituting boneless chicken thighs for a more indulgent moister option For a different sweet note use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar Swap the BBQ sauce for teriyaki sauce to turn this into a tropical Asian-inspired dish
Serving pairings
Serve alongside grilled corn and a fresh green salad for a light summer meal A side of coconut rice or quinoa complements the pineapple flavors beautifully Add a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with lime zest to balance the sweetness
This recipe has been a bright spot at many casual family dinners. Its balance of sweet and savory tastes and the ease of preparation make it a beloved staple in my kitchen. Try it next time you want a no-fuss dish that delivers big on flavor.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Marinate the chicken for 2 to 4 hours. This time is enough to infuse flavors without compromising the texture.
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well but may need slightly longer grilling to cook through.
- → Why reserve some marinade before grilling?
Reserving some marinade allows you to brush it on the chicken during grilling, adding extra layers of flavor and a glossy finish.
- → What grilling temperature is ideal for this dish?
Medium-high heat is best to develop a nice char without overcooking, roughly 400°F (200°C).
- → Can this marinade be used for other types of meat?
Yes, it pairs well with pork or shrimp, offering a sweet and tangy glaze that complements many proteins.