Save A sweet and tangy Hawaiian-inspired dish with juicy chicken pieces baked in a caramelized brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple glaze. Tender pineapple chunks add tropical flair, making this meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Chicken thighs provide extra juiciness but chicken breasts offer a leaner alternative. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into chunks Salt and pepper to taste 1 tsp garlic powder 2 tbsp olive oil
- Sauce & Glaze: 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks with juice (do not drain) ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark) ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) 1 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger) 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Garnish & Optional: Red pepper flakes (optional for heat) Chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl toss chicken pieces with salt pepper and garlic powder.
- Step 3:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Brown the chicken for about 4 minutes turning occasionally.
- Step 4:
- In a mixing bowl whisk together brown sugar soy sauce pineapple juice (from the can) rice vinegar ginger and cornstarch until smooth.
- Step 5:
- Add the browned chicken and pineapple chunks to the prepared baking dish. Pour the glaze over the top and stir gently to coat.
- Step 6:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 30 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Step 8:
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions and if desired a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Step 9:
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Save This recipe brings back fond memories of family dinners and tropical vacations.
Required Tools
9×13 inch baking dish Large skillet Mixing bowls Whisk Foil Cutting board and knife
Allergen Information
Contains soy (from soy sauce). Always double check ingredient labels for allergens. Gluten alert: Most soy sauce contains wheat use gluten free soy sauce if needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories 380 Total Fat 9 g Carbohydrates 46 g Protein 29 g per serving
Save This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for quick weeknight meals with a tropical twist.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What cut of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can be used; thighs are juicier, while breasts offer a leaner option.
- → Can I substitute apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar is a suitable alternative and will maintain the dish’s bright acidity.
- → How do I achieve a thick, glossy sauce?
The cornstarch in the glaze thickens the sauce during baking, creating a shiny, caramelized coating on the chicken.
- → Is it possible to add some heat to the dish?
Red pepper flakes can be added optionally for a mild spicy kick without overpowering the sweet and tangy flavors.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; reheat gently on the stove or in the oven to maintain texture and flavor.
- → What side dishes pair well with this pineapple chicken?
Steamed rice or noodles complement the dish, balancing the rich, caramelized glaze and tropical notes.