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, 1/2 cup brown sugar light or dark, 1/3 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 9x13-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 warm memories of family dinners where everyone eagerly gathered at the table to enjoy the tropical flavors.
Required Tools
9x13-inch baking dish, large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, foil, cutting board and knife
Nutritional Information
Calories 380, total fat 9 g, carbohydrates 46 g, protein 29 g per serving
Category & Details
Category Main Dish, Difficulty Easy, Cuisine Hawaiian-Inspired, Yield 4 servings, Diet Dairy-Free
Save Enjoy the blend of sweet and savory flavors that make this dish a family favorite anytime.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of chicken is best to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well; thighs provide extra juiciness, while breasts are leaner.
- → Can I substitute rice vinegar with another vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar can be used as a mild alternative without significantly altering the flavor.
- → How do I achieve a thicker glaze?
Allow the sauce to bake uncovered near the end so it thickens and becomes glossy; it also continues to thicken as it cools.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, the flavors deepen overnight and it reheats well, making it ideal for preparing ahead.
- → How can I add heat to this dish?
Sprinkle red pepper flakes during garnish or add a dash of hot sauce to the glaze before baking.