Baked Pineapple Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Pineapple Chicken is a savory-sweet dish that blends tender chicken with juicy pineapple and a flavorful marinade. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory elements, making it a family favorite for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The pineapple not only adds a tropical flair but also helps tenderize the chicken for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless)pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)soy saucesesame oilbrown sugargarlic (minced)ginger (grated)red pepper flakes (optional)cornstarch (for thickening)green onions (for garnish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the marinade.

Add pineapple chunks to the marinade, including a bit of the juice if using canned pineapple.

Place the chicken in a baking dish and pour the marinade with pineapple over the top, coating evenly.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Remove the foil, baste the chicken with the sauce, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden.

Optional: Transfer the juices to a saucepan, add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water), and simmer until thickened.

Serve the chicken topped with thickened sauce and garnished with chopped green onions.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 35-45 minutesTotal time: 45-55 minutes

Variations

Use chicken drumsticks or wings for a fun party dish.

Add bell peppers or onions to the baking dish for extra flavor and color.

Try honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.

Serve over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple works well and adds a vibrant flavor, just make sure it’s ripe.

Is this dish very sweet?

It has a balanced sweetness from the pineapple and sugar, but you can adjust the sugar to taste.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor and bake the next day.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.

Can I grill this instead?

Yes, the marinated chicken can be grilled for a smoky variation.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

Can I add other fruits?

Mango or orange slices can be a delicious addition to the dish.

What side dishes go well with this?

Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple salad.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just use a larger baking dish or two to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

Baked Pineapple Chicken is a deliciously easy recipe that brings a tropical twist to your dinner table. With its savory-sweet sauce and tender meat, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite.

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