Description
Baked Pineapple Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a sweet and savory pineapple marinade. The juicy chicken is baked to perfection in a tangy sauce featuring soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, then topped with fresh green onions for a deliciously vibrant finish. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that brings a tropical twist to your table.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade and Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks in juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Stir well until the ingredients are fully blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the prepared marinade over them. Allow the chicken to soak for at least 15 minutes, which helps infuse it with the savory and sweet flavors.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Transfer the marinated chicken breasts along with the marinade into a baking dish. Evenly pour the pineapple chunks and their juice over the chicken, enhancing the dish with sweetness and moisture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to cook the chicken gently and retain moisture.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking the chicken for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Garnish: Once cooked, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top to add a fresh flavor and colorful presentation.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours if time allows.
- Use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned if preferred, adjusting the juice quantity accordingly.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- If you want a thicker sauce, you can simmer the leftover juices on the stove for a few minutes after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion