Pineapple Baked Chicken
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Some recipes feel like pure sunshine on a plate—the kind that instantly lift your mood, even on an ordinary weeknight. Pineapple Baked Chicken is one of those dishes. I still remember the first time I made it on a busy evening when I craved something sweet, savory, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The aroma of caramelized pineapple and roasted chicken filled the house, and suddenly dinner felt like a celebration.
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Since then, this recipe has become a staple in my home. Juicy chicken bakes in a sticky, tangy pineapple glaze that balances sweetness with savory depth. Each bite delivers tender meat, roasted fruit, and a glossy sauce that tastes restaurant-worthy but comes together with ease.
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Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping, or hosting a casual gathering, this dish is one that always earns seconds. It’s simple enough for weeknights, special enough for holidays, and versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides.
🍍 Pineapple Baked Chicken
📝 Ingredients
| Chicken | Pineapple Sauce | Optional Garnish |
|---|---|---|
| 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (700–800 g) | 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained) | Sliced green onions |
| ½ tsp salt | ½ cup pineapple juice | Sesame seeds |
| ¼ tsp black pepper | ¼ cup soy sauce | |
| ½ tsp garlic powder | ¼ cup brown sugar or honey | |
| ½ tsp paprika | 2 tbsp ketchup | |
| 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar | ||
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | ||
| 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (optional) | ||
| 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for thickening) |
🍴 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Season the Chicken
- Place chicken in the dish.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Make the Pineapple Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), ketchup, vinegar, garlic, and ginger if using.
4. Add Pineapple
- Scatter pineapple chunks over the chicken.
- Pour sauce evenly on top.
5. Bake
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- Transfer sauce to a small pan.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Pour back over chicken.
7. Serve
- Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
✨ Result: Tender chicken in a glossy pineapple glaze—sweet, savory, and comforting, with tropical flair.
