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. 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.
Save This dish brings smiles and warm memories as my family gathers around the table to enjoy the tropical flavors 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
Save Enjoy this flavorful dish that captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine in every bite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cut of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well; thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts are leaner.
- → How can I thicken the glaze if it’s too runny?
The sauce thickens as it cools. Adding cornstarch before baking helps create a glossy, thicker glaze.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?
Yes, adjust the brown sugar amount to taste or balance sweetness with a splash of vinegar.
- → Is it possible to add heat to the flavor profile?
Adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will introduce a pleasant spicy kick.
- → What are good serving suggestions for this dish?
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the rich, caramelized glaze.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, flavors deepen overnight making it excellent for meal prep and reheats beautifully.