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.
Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without a lot of fuss.
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 recipe always brings the family together especially when served with steamed rice and a side of veggies.
Notes
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.
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.
Save This brown sugar pineapple chicken is a straightforward recipe that adds a tropical twist to your dinner table.
Recipe Guide
- → What cut of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts provide a leaner option. Both yield flavorful results when browned and baked.
- → Can I substitute the vinegar used in the glaze?
Yes, rice vinegar can be replaced with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang without altering the dish’s balance.
- → How can I add heat to this dish?
Incorporate red pepper flakes during cooking or sprinkle them as garnish for a mild to moderate spicy kick.
- → Is it necessary to brown the chicken before baking?
Browning the chicken develops richer flavor and helps seal juices, enhancing the overall taste and texture after baking.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Steamed rice or noodles complement the sweet and tangy glaze, soaking up the sauce beautifully for a complete meal.