Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most mouthwatering, flavor-packed chicken marinade you've ever experienced! This Spicy Pineapple Marinade is about to turn your ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone at your dinner table begging for seconds. Imagine the perfect balance of sweet, tangy pineapple, fiery sriracha, and aromatic ginger creating a symphony of flavors that will transport your senses to a tropical paradise with every single bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Tropical
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, and sriracha sauce, whisking together until well blended.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves using a sharp knife or garlic press, ensuring the pieces are very small to distribute flavor evenly.
- Grate the fresh ginger using a microplane or fine grater, releasing its aromatic oils and intense flavor.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and brown sugar to the liquid mixture, stirring thoroughly to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Whisk all ingredients together until the marinade is smooth and the sugar is fully incorporated, creating a balanced sweet and spicy blend.
- Place chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or non-reactive container, then pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
- Seal the container and refrigerate, allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor penetration.
- Before cooking, remove chicken from marinade and discard the remaining liquid to prevent cross-contamination.
- Grill, bake, or pan-sear the marinated chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Tips
- For the most intense flavor, marinate your chicken for the full 4 hours, but don't go beyond that to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat's texture.
- Use fresh pineapple juice if possible - it provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to canned juice.
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear and crispy exterior.
- If you're short on time, even a 30-minute marinade will infuse significant flavor into the chicken.
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- This marinade works brilliantly with other proteins too - try it with tofu, shrimp, or pork for variety!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
