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
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 Excellent for meal prep the flavors deepen overnight and it reheats well
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 recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well; thighs offer extra juiciness while breasts provide a leaner option.
- → Can I substitute ingredients in the glaze?
Yes, rice vinegar can be replaced with apple cider vinegar, and light or dark brown sugar can be used depending on your preference.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will introduce heat to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
- → What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful glaze and complete the meal.
- → How long should the dish rest before serving?
Allow the baked chicken to rest for about 5 minutes to let the glaze thicken and flavors settle.