Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken pieces baked in a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze. This recipe combines the caramelized flavors of brown sugar and soy sauce with the tropical sweetness of pineapple chunks, balanced by a touch of rice vinegar and ginger. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or special occasion, it offers a vibrant and juicy meal with a beautiful caramelized finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into medium chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for browning chicken
Pineapple Glaze and Sauce
- 1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz can, with juice, do not drain)
- 0.5 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 0.33 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Optional Garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Rest: Allow all your ingredients to come to room temperature and prepare your workspace for cooking.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken chunks generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder ensuring even coating for flavor enhancement.
- Brown the Chicken in a Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and brown them for about 4 minutes total, turning occasionally until golden but not fully cooked through.
- Whisk the Pineapple Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the browned chicken pieces to the prepared baking dish. Pour pineapple chunks along with their juice over the chicken, then drizzle the pineapple glaze evenly on top. Stir gently to coat everything well.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens to a glaze consistency.
- Caramelize Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and develop a beautiful golden color.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped green onions and additional pineapple chunks if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when whisking the pineapple glaze.
- Use boneless thighs for juicier results or breasts for leaner meat.
- Ensure not to overcook chicken during browning; it will cook fully in the oven.
- Covering the dish during baking helps keep the chicken moist and infuses it with the glaze flavors.
- Caramelizing uncovered adds texture and intensifies the sweetness.
- Can be served over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Keywords: Pineapple Chicken, baked chicken, pineapple glaze, sweet and tangy chicken, easy dinner recipe, caramelized chicken, Asian chicken recipe
Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/pineapple-chicken-recipe/
