Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 4 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.Quick Answer
This Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken is a festive dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings.As the holiday season approaches in the vibrant streets of New York City, my kitchen starts to transform into a festive haven filled with enticing aromas and flavors. Today, I'm excited to share a recipe that perfectly captures the spirit of celebration and togetherness: Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken. This dish is not only a delightful crowd-pleaser-its sweet and tangy taste offers a delightful contrast to the cold weather outside and balances well with hearty Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
This recipe is designed to bring warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations, making it a go-to dish for family gatherings and festive feasts.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Sweet and Savory Flavor: The perfect balance between sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce creates a mouthwatering dish.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Great for Gatherings: This crowd-pleaser is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite at family gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the chicken in advance for a hassle-free meal that's ready to bake when you are.
- Versatile Pairings: This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, salads, or roasted vegetables, making it easy to create a full meal.
Ingredients
Gather all the components to create the perfect Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken.
Chicken
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs (I prefer using thighs for their juiciness)
Marinade
- 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh is always a win, but canned also works)
- ½ cup brown sugar (for that rich, caramelized sweetness)
- ½ cup soy sauce (I use a low-sodium version to keep it balanced)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for an aromatic flavor boost)
- 1 tbsp. sesame oil (adds a lovely depth to the sauce)
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (for color and crunch)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How to Make Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken that's perfect for any gathering.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C). As it heats, the anticipation builds-nothing quite like the warmth of a hot oven on a chilly fall or winter day.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, I whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil. The sweetness of the brown sugar mingles beautifully with the tangy notes of the pineapple juice as the mixture comes together-it's fragrance instantly uplifts the room.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they're well coated. I love to let this sit for at least 30 minutes-if I have the time, I'll even marinate it overnight in the fridge to deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Arrange in a Baking Dish
Once the chicken has soaked up the delicious flavors, I transfer it to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. I like to pour the remaining marinade right over the chicken along with the vibrant red bell pepper slices and juicy pineapple chunks, which lend an inviting pop of color.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
I cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. The smell of the chicken baking is utterly delightful! After 25 minutes, I remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through, with a slight jiggle in the center.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, I let it rest for a moment before casting a sprinkle of sliced green onions on top. The combination of sweet, savory, and vibrant colors always garners compliments at the table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Marination: Don't rush this step; marinating is key for juicy, flavorful chicken!
- Using Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in cuts may require different cooking times and can lead to uneven cooking for this recipe.
- Not Monitoring Cooking Time: Every oven is different, and it's important to check the internal temperature (165°F) to avoid dry chicken.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a delightful twist, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for some heat!
- Serve this dish with jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce, or alongside a fresh green salad for balance.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, making it perfect for holiday feasts.
Variations
- Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Use mango juice instead of pineapple juice for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate additional vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition.
- Try different types of sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, instead of brown sugar.
How to Serve
- Serve warm over a bed of jasmine rice.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil for added color and flavor.
- Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.
- Offer extra pineapple chunks as a refreshing side.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for better flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet to retain moisture.
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months; let cool completely before freezing.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Every time I make this Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken, I'm reminded of the joy that the combination of sweet and savory can bring to the table-especially during gathering season. It's become a cherished dish I share with family and friends come holiday time, evoking joyful memories with each bite.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with sauce and vegetables
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 25g protein · 40g carbs · 10g fat
Recipe by:
Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
- Marinate the chicken thighs in the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken to a greased baking dish, pour remaining marinade over, and add sliced bell pepper and pineapple chunks.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may result in a drier texture. Thighs are recommended for their juiciness.
2. How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If possible, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and marinate it a day in advance. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
4. What can I serve with Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.
5. How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
