A Sweet & Savory Delight
If you love sweet and savory flavors, this Tropical Pineapple Chicken Bake is a must-try! Juicy chicken breasts are baked in a tangy pineapple sauce with a hint of garlic, soy, and brown sugar for the perfect balance of flavors. With minimal prep and just one pan, this dish is easy, delicious, and packed with tropical goodness!
I love this recipe because it’s simple, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or when you’re craving a taste of the tropics!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes! Canned pineapple chunks or rings (in juice, not syrup) work perfectly for this dish. Just drain the juice before adding them.
Q: What’s the best chicken cut to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs will be extra juicy, while breasts will stay tender when baked with the sauce.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything in the baking dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: How do I thicken the sauce?
If you want a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after baking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water until thickened.
Q: What sides go well with this dish?
Serve it with steamed rice, coconut rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
What You Need to Make Tropical Pineapple Chicken Bake
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro or green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Tropical Pineapple Chicken Bake
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), garlic, ginger, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Arrange chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Pour the pineapple sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Scatter pineapple chunks, red bell pepper slices, and red onion around the chicken.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Baste the chicken with the sauce once or twice while baking for extra flavor.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
- Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Tropical Pineapple Chicken
✔ Use fresh pineapple for extra sweetness – If using canned, go for pineapple chunks in juice, not syrup.
✔ Baste the chicken – Spoon the sauce over the chicken while baking to keep it juicy.
✔ Want a crispy top? – Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end for a golden finish.
✔ For extra tropical flavor – Add coconut flakes or a splash of coconut milk to the sauce.
✔ Make it spicy – Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for a heat kick!
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “Absolutely delicious! The sweet and savory flavors were perfect, and it was so easy to make!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “Super juicy chicken! The sauce was amazing over coconut rice. Will make again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “Tasted like a tropical vacation! Loved the balance of sweet pineapple and soy sauce.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “Great dish! Next time, I’ll try it with chicken thighs for even more juiciness.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “This was a hit with my family! Super flavorful and so easy to throw together.”
Printable Recipe
Tropical Pineapple Chicken Bake
This Tropical Pineapple Chicken Bake is a sweet and savory delight, made with juicy chicken, pineapple chunks, and a flavorful soy-garlic sauce. A one-pan meal that’s easy and delicious!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro or green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), garlic, ginger, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Arrange chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Pour the pineapple sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Scatter pineapple chunks, red bell pepper slices, and red onion around the chicken.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Baste the chicken with the sauce once or twice while baking for extra flavor.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
- Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables and enjoy!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Tropical Pineapple Chicken Bake, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it on social media, pin it on Pinterest, or send it to a friend who loves easy, flavorful meals. I’d love to see your versions—tag me if you try it!
