Pineapple Baked Chicken

Introduction

Some meals feel like sunshine on a plate—the kind that instantly lifts your mood, even on a busy weeknight. Pineapple Baked Chicken is exactly that kind of dish. The first time I made it, I was short on time but craving something sweet, savory, and comforting. As it baked, the aroma of caramelized pineapple and roasted chicken filled the kitchen, turning an ordinary evening into something special.

This recipe has since become a staple. Juicy chicken bakes in a sticky, tangy pineapple glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and savory depth. It tastes restaurant-worthy, yet it’s simple enough for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping, or entertaining guests, this dish always delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (700–800 g)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Pineapple Sauce

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)

• ½ cup pineapple juice

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup brown sugar or honey

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional)

For Thickening (Optional)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon water

Optional Garnish

• Sliced green onions

• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Season the Chicken
   Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

3. Prepare the Pineapple Sauce
   In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), ketchup, vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger if using.

4. Add Pineapple and Sauce
   Scatter the pineapple chunks over the chicken, then pour the sauce evenly on top.

5. Bake
   Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
   For a thicker glaze, transfer the sauce to a small saucepan. Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and simmer for 1–2 minutes until thickened. Pour the sauce back over the chicken.

7. Serve
   Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Pineapple Baked Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and comforting—all with minimal prep and simple ingredients. It’s a reliable weeknight dinner that still feels special enough for guests or celebrations. One bite of the tender chicken coated in that glossy pineapple glaze, and you’ll understand why this recipe earns repeat requests. Simple, flavorful, and always satisfying—this is a dish worth keeping on rotation.