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Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Recipe – A Tropical Dinner Delight

Bring the flavors of the tropics to your table with this Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken recipe. Juicy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze is the perfect comfort food!

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil for pan-frying
  • For the Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice from a can of pineapple chunks
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water slurry for thickening
  • For Garnish:
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  3. Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
  4. Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
  5. Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
  6. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  7. Pan-fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown on the outside (they don't need to be fully cooked). Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
  8. Step 3: Make the Sauce
  9. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  10. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  11. Add the cornstarch slurry and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
  12. Step 4: Combine and Bake
  13. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
  14. Add pineapple chunks on top for extra flavor.
  15. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
  16. Step 5: Garnish and Serve
  17. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Pair with steamed white rice, fried rice, or sautéed vegetables.