Introduction
Baked Hawaiian chicken is a delightful dish that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple and mandarin oranges with savory barbecued chicken. This recipe is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, bringing a taste of the islands right to your table. Easy to prepare and sure to please, this dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, making it a complete meal for any occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks in juice
– 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– ½ cup orange juice
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– Cooked white rice, for serving
– Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
1 hour
Yield
Serves 4
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice.
3. Place the chicken in a baking dish and pour the reserved pineapple juice over the chicken.
4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce by combining the barbecue sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, and ground ginger in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is heated through.
6. After 30 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and drain the excess liquid from the baking dish.
7. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
8. Add the drained pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges to the dish, distributing them evenly around the chicken.
9. Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. Serve the baked Hawaiian chicken over cooked white rice, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple
Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice.
Step 3: Arrange the Chicken
Place the chicken in a baking dish and pour the reserved pineapple juice over the chicken.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce by combining the barbecue sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, and ground ginger in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is heated through.
Step 6: Drain Excess Liquid
After 30 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and drain the excess liquid from the baking dish.
Step 7: Coat the Chicken with Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Step 8: Add Pineapple and Oranges
Add the drained pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges to the dish, distributing them evenly around the chicken.
Step 9: Final Bake
Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 10: Serve
Serve the baked Hawaiian chicken over cooked white rice, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Chicken Options
You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Substitution
Feel free to substitute other fruits like peaches or mangoes for a different flavor twist.
Cook Techniques
Oven Baking
Oven baking is a gentle cooking method that allows chicken to cook evenly and remain moist. Preheating the oven ensures consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
Pineapple Juice Marination
Using pineapple juice as a marinade adds flavor and helps tenderize the chicken. The acidity from the juice breaks down protein fibers, resulting in succulent, juicy meat.
Simmering Sauce
Simmering the sauce on medium heat allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring the brown sugar dissolves completely. This technique enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
Covering with Foil
Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil traps steam, which helps cook the chicken thoroughly and prevents it from drying out during the initial baking phase.
Uncovering for Finishing
Removing the foil for the last part of baking allows the sauce to caramelize and adds a nice glaze to the chicken, enhancing both texture and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature.
What can I substitute for pineapple juice?
You can substitute pineapple juice with orange juice or apple juice, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat before using it with the chicken.
What type of rice is best for serving?
Cooked white rice is recommended, but brown rice or jasmine rice can also be great alternatives to complement the dish.
Conclusion
This baked Hawaiian chicken recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple and mandarin oranges with a tangy barbecue sauce, making it a delicious and vibrant dish. Paired with white rice, it offers a perfect balance of flavors that can be enjoyed any night of the week. The ease of preparation and baking allows you to focus on other aspects of your meal while delivering a delightful dining experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple
Marinate chicken in teriyaki sauce and mix in fresh pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory dish. Serve over fried rice for added texture and flavor.
Orange Glazed Salmon
Replace chicken with salmon fillets and use a similar orange juice and brown sugar glaze. The fish cooks quickly and pairs wonderfully with citrus flavors.
Sweet and Sour Pork
Substitute pork tenderloin for chicken and create a sweet and sour sauce using pineapple juice, brown sugar, and vinegar. Serve with steamed broccoli and rice.
Barbecue Chicken Salad
Use leftover baked Hawaiian chicken, chop it up, and toss it with mixed greens, mandarin oranges, nuts, and a citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
Chicken Stir-Fry with Citrus
Sauté chicken pieces with a mix of bell peppers, snap peas, and a sauce made from orange juice, ginger, and soy sauce. Serve over jasmine rice for a zesty alternative.
