Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Bake

Name: Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Green onions, for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Bake for family gatherings. The combination of juicy chicken, tangy pineapple, and savory sauce creates a delightful balance of flavors that everyone enjoys. The best part is how simple it is to prepare! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, I can have a delicious meal ready to serve in under an hour. This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also brings a tropical vibe that makes it perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-29T23:49:28.217Z

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how well the pineapple complements the chicken. I decided to experiment with different marinades and settled on a blend of soy sauce and honey, which gives the dish a perfect umami kick. Each bite bursts with flavor, thanks to the tangy sweetness of the pineapple.

One tip I’d love to share is to use fresh pineapple when you can. It mellows beautifully in the oven, enhancing the dish's flavor profile. Adding some green onions on top before serving gives it an extra pop of color and freshness!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Sweet and savory flavor profile that bursts in every bite
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
A fun and tropical twist perfect for entertaining

      

Perfecting Your Marinade

The marinade plays a crucial role in ensuring your Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Bake is flavorful and juicy. The combination of soy sauce and honey not only provides a sweet and savory glaze but also helps tenderize the chicken. Aim for a balance between the sweetness of the honey and the saltiness of the soy sauce. If you prefer a lower-sodium option, consider using low-sodium soy sauce or even tamari, which can deliver a similar taste without overwhelming saltiness.

Letting the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes is essential, but for an even more intense flavor, consider marinating it for up to an hour in the refrigerator. During this time, the chicken can really soak up the aromatic essence of garlic and ginger. Just remember to cover the dish or place it in a resealable bag to prevent any leakage and contamination in your refrigerator.

Enhancing Texture and Flavor

For added texture, I sometimes sauté the pineapple chunks briefly before adding them to the baking dish. This enhances their natural sugars and gives them a caramelized edge that pairs wonderfully with the chicken. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat for about 3–5 minutes, until they start to soften and glisten—just be careful not to overcook them, as they may lose their shape.

To elevate the dish further, consider adding bell peppers or snap peas alongside the pineapple. This not only adds a pop of color but also rounds out the flavor profile with additional crunch. Adjust the baking time slightly if you're adding more vegetables; a few minutes longer might be needed to ensure everything is perfectly cooked, vibrant, and tender.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful dish:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon olive oil
Green onions, for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking for a smoother process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Bake:

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger to create the marinade.

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Add Pineapple

Spread the pineapple chunks over the marinated chicken evenly.

Bake

Drizzle olive oil over the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy!

Pair this dish with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. You can also add bell peppers or snap peas for an added crunch and color.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning for a gathering, this dish can be made ahead of time. Prepare the chicken and marinate it the night before; just be sure to store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, simply preheat the oven and go straight to baking without any additional prep work. This ensures you can spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.

Leftovers store well, too! Place any remaining chicken and pineapple in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can even freeze them for longer storage—just ensure it’s properly sealed to avoid freezer burn. When reheating, use a low temperature in the oven to gently warm it without drying it out; at about 300°F (150°C), it should be ready in around 15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serve your Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Bake over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. Adding a side of steamed vegetables could also enhance the meal's nutrition and add more color. For a refreshing touch, consider a simple cucumber salad seasoned with lime juice on the side; it pairs wonderfully with the sweet and savory tones of the dish.

For a twist on the original recipe, try adding a bit of diced jalapeño to the marinade for a kick of heat or incorporating a splash of pineapple juice for even more fruity flavor. You can also substitute chicken with pork tenderloin or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking times slightly for different proteins; for instance, pork may need a little longer in the oven to reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating.

→ What can I substitute for honey?

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely, just make sure to use a larger baking dish and increase the cooking time if necessary.