Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes—breasts work but watch them closely; they cook faster and dry out if overdone.

How long should I marinate?

Minimum 1 hour; overnight is best for deep flavor.

Absolutely. Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, basting halfway. Broil 2–3 minutes at the end for caramelization.

Fresh juice is ideal, but water + a spoon of pineapple jam or a splash of orange juice can work in a pinch.

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1. Whisk the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper together in a bowl until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
2. Put the chicken into a resealable bag or a shallow container and pour half of the marinade over it. Seal the bag (or cover the dish), refrigerate, and let the chicken soak up the flavors for at least 1 hour — overnight gives the best results. Keep the remaining half of the marinade aside for basting while the chicken cooks.

1. Heat your grill to medium-high. Remove the chicken from the fridge, shake off excess marinade, and place the pieces directly on the grates. (Discard the used marinade that held the raw chicken.)
2. Grill the chicken about 6–7 minutes per side, brushing it occasionally with the reserved, unused marinade to build a sticky glaze. Cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (75°C).
3. Let the chicken rest 3–5 minutes after removing it from the grill. Slice and serve over steamed white rice, sprinkle with sliced green onion, and add grilled pineapple if you like.

Notes & Quick Tips
- Reserve half the marinade before adding the raw chicken so you can safely baste while grilling.
- If you want to use the leftover marinade as a sauce on the plate, bring it to a boil for a few minutes in a small saucepan to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Thighs stay juicier; breasts work fine but watch cook time closely to avoid drying out.
- For indoor cooking, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes, basting halfway through, or pan-sear and finish with a quick glaze in the skillet.