Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade and Sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger (freshly grated or powdered)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, minced garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you want a deeper infusion of flavors.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Transfer the marinated chicken breasts to a baking dish. Pour any leftover marinade over the chicken. Scatter the pineapple chunks evenly around and on top of the chicken pieces.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): For a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the baking dish. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Garnish: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions for freshness and added flavor.
- Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and serve hot, drizzled with the pineapple and sauce for a deliciously balanced meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer than 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) will enhance the flavor.
- Fresh pineapple chunks add a brighter flavor, but canned pineapple works well too.
- If using canned pineapple, be mindful of added sugars and adjust the brown sugar quantity accordingly.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked for food safety.
- The optional cornstarch step creates a thicker, more glaze-like sauce.
- Serve alongside steamed rice or vegetables to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American