Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

Craving something sweet, savory, and irresistibly comforting? Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken delivers bold tropical flavor with minimal effort. This oven-baked classic combines juicy chicken pieces with a glossy pineapple glaze that’s perfectly balanced between tangy, sweet, and savory.

If you’re looking for a foolproof dinner that feels special but doesn’t require complicated techniques, this recipe is exactly what you need. The pineapple sauce caramelizes beautifully in the oven, coating every bite in a rich, sticky glaze. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prep, or entertaining guests, this dish sets the tone for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy Prep – Simple pantry staples come together in one saucepan, then the oven does the rest.
• Perfect Sweet-Savory Balance – The brown sugar and pineapple create sweetness, while soy sauce and Worcestershire add depth and umami.
• Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing – Even picky eaters love the glossy, caramelized glaze.
• Budget-Conscious – Uses affordable chicken pieces and everyday ingredients.
• Incredibly Tender Results – Baking at a moderate temperature ensures juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
• Better Than Takeout – You control the ingredients, sweetness level, and sodium content.

What truly makes this version stand out is the vinegar-cornstarch slurry technique, which guarantees a smooth, thick sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken instead of turning watery or overly sticky. The result? A perfectly glazed dish that tastes like comfort with a tropical twist.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious Hawaiian-inspired chicken bake.

For the Sweet & Tangy Pineapple Sauce

• ¼ cup butter – Adds richness and helps build a silky sauce base.
• ⅓ cup ketchup – Provides tomato depth and subtle sweetness.
• ¼ cup brown sugar – Use light or dark brown sugar; it brings caramel notes.
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch – Essential for thickening the glaze.
• ¼ cup vinegar – White vinegar works best for a classic sweet-and-sour balance.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all flavors.
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce – Adds savory umami depth.
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Introduces complexity and subtle spice.
• 1 (9-ounce) can crushed pineapple – Do not drain; the juice enhances flavor and texture.

For the Chicken

• 3 pounds assorted chicken pieces – A mix of breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings works beautifully. Bone-in pieces retain moisture and develop better flavor during baking.

Optional personal touch: Lightly pat the chicken dry before arranging it in the baking dish—this helps the sauce adhere better and encourages browning.

How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Starting with a fully heated oven ensures even cooking and proper caramelization of the sauce.

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter until fully liquefied.

Add the ketchup and brown sugar, stirring continuously until the sugar completely dissolves. This step is important—it prevents a grainy texture in the final sauce and creates a smooth base.

You’ll notice the mixture becoming glossy and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Create a Smooth Thickener

In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the vinegar until completely smooth.

This slurry prevents clumping and ensures your sauce thickens evenly. Slowly pour this mixture into the saucepan while whisking constantly.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Add the salt, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the pan. Continue whisking and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. You’ll know it’s ready when you can run your finger through the sauce on the spoon and the line holds its shape.

Step 5: Add Pineapple

Stir in the crushed pineapple along with its juices. This adds natural sweetness and a tropical texture contrast.

Remove the saucepan from heat once fully combined.

Step 6: Arrange the Chicken

Place the assorted chicken pieces in your prepared baking dish in a single layer.

For best results, position larger pieces like thighs and breasts toward the edges, where heat circulation is strongest.

Pour the pineapple sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure every piece is generously coated.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 45 minutes.

During baking:

• The sauce will bubble and thicken further.
• The sugars will caramelize slightly.
• The chicken skin will begin to brown beautifully.

For food safety, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a thigh. It should read at least 165°F (74°C).

If you prefer extra browning, you can broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end—watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Allow the chicken to rest for about 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven.

This helps redistribute juices and allows the sauce to thicken slightly as it cools.

Spoon extra sauce over the top before serving for maximum flavor impact.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• Coconut rice for enhanced tropical flavor
• Garlic butter noodles
• Roasted vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli
• A crisp green salad for contrast

For presentation, garnish with:

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Thinly sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic look or transfer to a large platter and drizzle with extra sauce for an elegant dinner-party presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 325°F until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, spooning sauce over chicken to prevent drying.

Adding a tablespoon of water before reheating helps restore moisture.

Helpful Notes

• Use Bone-In for Best Flavor: Bone-in chicken stays juicier and absorbs flavor more deeply during baking.
• Adjust Sweetness: Prefer less sweetness? Reduce brown sugar slightly or add a splash more vinegar.
• Add Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce creates a sweet-spicy variation.
• Make It Crispier: Pat the chicken dry and broil briefly at the end for caramelized edges.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
• Fresh Pineapple Alternative: You can substitute fresh crushed pineapple; just include some natural juice.

This recipe is highly adaptable while still maintaining its signature sweet-and-savory Hawaiian flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. With its glossy pineapple glaze, tender chicken, and perfect sweet-savory balance, it’s a dependable dinner you’ll return to again and again.

It’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for gatherings—making it a true kitchen staple.

If you tried this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and a ⭐ star rating below to let others know how it turned out.

Did you add a spicy twist or extra vegetables? Share your variation! And don’t forget to save and share this recipe on Pinterest or Facebook so your friends can enjoy it too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well. Reduce baking time to about 30–35 minutes, and monitor internal temperature closely to prevent overcooking.

Can I make Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply replace regular soy sauce with a gluten-free version and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Why didn’t my sauce thicken properly?

This usually happens if the cornstarch wasn’t fully dissolved before adding it to the pan or if the sauce didn’t simmer long enough. Make sure to whisk continuously and cook until it coats the back of a spoon.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! It freezes very well. Allow the chicken to cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the chicken and sauce in the baking dish several hours ahead and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.