Go Back

Spicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken

Spicy pineapple brown sugar chicken with caramelized grilled pineapple chunks and visible char is a sweet-heat main dish. Marinated chicken stays juicy with a glossy glaze from pineapple juice, brown sugar, and sriracha.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
marinating 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Hawaiian-Asian Fusion
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken breasts
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts Cut to even thickness for consistent grilling.
Marinade
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sriracha
  • 3 garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Grilled pineapple
  • 2 cup fresh pineapple chunks Thread onto skewers for even caramelization.
Garnish
  • 1 cilantro and lime for garnish Serve fresh for bright flavor.

Equipment

  • 1 grill

Method
 

Make and marinate the chicken
  1. Combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl, stirring until the brown sugar dissolves.
  2. Reserve 1/4 cup marinade, then pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and marinate for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.
Grill the chicken and pineapple
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and set up for direct cooking.
  2. Grill the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and you see char on the surface.
  3. Thread pineapple chunks onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until caramelized with browned edges.
  4. Brush the grilled chicken with the reserved marinade, then serve topped with grilled pineapple, cilantro, and lime.

Notes

Marinate for the full 1-2 hours for the best sweet-heat flavor and an even lacquered finish on the grill. Refrigerate leftover chicken in a sealed container for up to 3 days; freeze is not recommended because the pineapple glaze can soften. For a gluten-free option, use tamari in place of soy sauce (use the same amount).