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
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 dish brings back warm family dinners and the joy of sharing something special cooked with love
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 This recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory perfect for any occasion
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of chicken works best?
Both boneless thighs and breasts are suitable; thighs offer more juiciness while breasts provide a leaner option.
- → Can I substitute the vinegar in the glaze?
Yes, apple cider vinegar can replace rice vinegar without affecting the overall flavor profile significantly.
- → How do I achieve a glossy sauce finish?
After baking covered, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes to allow the glaze to thicken and shine.
- → Is it okay to add heat to this dish?
Red pepper flakes can be added for a gentle kick, enhancing the tropical sweetness with subtle spice.
- → Can leftovers be reheated well?
This dish reheats nicely, with flavors deepening overnight, making it ideal for meal prep.