Save to Pinterest 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 Substitute apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar if necessary For added heat include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce Excellent for meal prep the flavors deepen overnight and it reheats well
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 to Pinterest This recipe is a family favorite perfect for gatherings and busy weeknight dinners alike
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
Save to Pinterest This dish brings a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors ideal for any occasion
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use chicken breasts or thighs?
Both work well; thighs offer more juiciness while breasts provide a leaner option.
- → How is the glaze thickened?
Cornstarch is whisked into the sauce to achieve a glossy, thick texture during baking.
- → What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar can be used interchangeably without altering the flavor significantly.
- → Is it possible to make it spicy?
Adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce provides a nice heat contrast.
- → How should I serve this dish?
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles to complement the sweet and tangy flavors.