Pin this 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), 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 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 This Hawaiian inspired chicken dish balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly for an easy weeknight meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well; thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts are leaner.
- → Can I substitute rice vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar can be used as a mild alternative without altering the dish’s flavor significantly.
- → How do I thicken the glaze?
The cornstarch in the sauce helps thicken the glaze during baking, giving it a glossy finish.
- → Is it possible to add heat to this dish?
Absolutely, adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce provides a spicy kick to complement the sweetness.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful glaze and complete the meal.