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 Family moments around this dish are filled with joy as the tropical flavors bring everyone to the table ready to enjoy a comforting meal together
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 balances sweet and savory beautifully making it a satisfying meal for any occasion
Recipe Q&A
- → What cut of chicken works best for this dish?
Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs can be used; thighs provide more juiciness while breasts offer a leaner texture.
- → Can I substitute rice vinegar with another type?
Yes, apple cider vinegar works well as a substitute without altering the flavor significantly.
- → How do I achieve a glossy sauce finish?
Baking uncovered for the last 5–10 minutes allows the sauce to thicken and develop a shiny glaze.
- → Is it possible to add heat to the dish?
Adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during garnish can provide a nice spicy kick.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors deepen when refrigerated overnight, making it excellent for meal prep and reheating.