Pin 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.
Pin This recipe always brings my family together around the dinner table, making weeknights feel special.
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
Pin This tropical chicken dish is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, ideal for any weeknight dinner.
Recipe Questions
- → What cut of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. Thighs offer more juiciness while breasts give a leaner option.
- → Can I substitute the rice vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar can be used as a tangy alternative without changing the flavor profile much.
- → How do I achieve a thickened glaze?
The cornstarch in the sauce helps thicken it while baking. Baking uncovered at the end lets the sauce become glossy and rich.
- → Is it possible to add heat to the dish?
Yes, red pepper flakes can be incorporated optionally to add a spicy kick without overwhelming the sweetness.
- → How should this dish be served?
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful glaze and complement the tender chicken.