Imagine a dinner that transports you to a tropical paradise with just one bite - without hours of complicated cooking! This Sheet Pan Baked Pineapple Chicken is about to become your new weeknight superhero, combining the succulent tenderness of perfectly cooked chicken with the sweet, tangy explosion of fresh pineapple. In just 45 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and requires minimal cleanup. Get ready to turn an ordinary evening into an extraordinary culinary adventure!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Tropical
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and the pineapple caramelizes nicely.
- Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended, creating a marinade for the chicken.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the chicken is marinating, drain any excess liquid from the pineapple chunks, if necessary. This will prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
- Once the chicken has marinated, arrange the chicken breasts in the center of the prepared sheet pan. Spread the pineapple chunks around the chicken, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken and pineapple on the sheet pan. This will add extra flavor and moisture during cooking.
- Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- After baking, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, making it more tender.
- Before serving, garnish the dish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and added flavor.
- Serve the baked pineapple chicken warm, either on its own or with a side of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious juices.
Tips
- • For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours before cooking if you have extra time • Use fresh pineapple chunks for the best caramelization and flavor intensity • Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior • Check chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness • Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender • For extra caramelization, broil the sheet pan for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking • Pair with coconut rice or cauliflower rice for a complete tropical-inspired meal
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 252kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 93mg
