These baked sweet and sour chicken thighs are a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that make for an unforgettable weeknight dinner. Each bite is infused with tropical pineapple notes and coated in a rich, caramelized glaze that forms in the oven. The skin crisps beautifully while the meat remains tender and juicy inside.
This dish is not only visually stunning with its golden chicken and vibrant pineapple chunks, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare with pantry-friendly ingredients. Serve it over steamed rice to soak up that sticky-sweet sauce or alongside fresh greens for a lighter take. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe is guaranteed to become a regular on your table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained (juice reserved)
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
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1/3 cup soy sauce
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1/4 cup ketchup
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
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In a saucepan, combine reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 3-5 minutes.
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Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the baking dish.
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Scatter the pineapple chunks over and around the chicken.
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Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot with rice or steamed vegetables.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Comfort Food Classic with a Tropical Twist
There’s something undeniably nostalgic and comforting about sweet and sour dishes. Whether you grew up enjoying them from a local Chinese takeout spot or made them from scratch with family, the balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors has universal appeal. This Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs with Pineapple recipe takes that timeless flavor combination and elevates it into a wholesome, home-cooked meal you can rely on again and again.
What makes this dish truly special is its blend of homestyle baking with exotic flavor notes. The golden-baked chicken thighs are incredibly juicy, thanks to their bone-in, skin-on structure. When seared before baking, they develop a crispy, flavorful exterior that holds up beautifully under a generous pour of glossy, sweet, and sour pineapple glaze.
This recipe is perfect for those looking for something comforting yet different, something that can bring a tropical spark to a weeknight dinner table or impress guests at a casual gathering.
The Magic of Sweet and Sour
Sweet and sour sauce is the soul of this dish. It’s a time-tested balance that excites the palate and keeps you going back for just one more bite. What gives it such crave-worthy depth is the combination of brown sugar and pineapple juice for sweetness, apple cider vinegar for tang, and soy sauce for that umami backbone.
Ketchup adds a velvety tomato richness, and the cornstarch ensures the sauce thickens to a gorgeous glaze that clings to the chicken and the pineapple chunks like a warm hug. Add a hint of ginger and garlic powder, and you’ve got a sauce that is bright, bold, and unforgettable.
Why Chicken Thighs Are the Star
While you could make this dish with chicken breasts, there’s a good reason why thighs take the lead here. Chicken thighs are far more forgiving in the oven they stay juicy, flavorful, and tender even after nearly an hour of baking. The skin crisps up nicely, providing that contrast of textures that every great baked dish needs.
Additionally, bone-in thighs release a little extra flavor during the baking process, infusing the sauce and pineapple with an even richer taste. It’s a cut of meat that’s not only budget-friendly but also versatile and ideal for saucy, baked recipes like this one.
Pineapple: A Natural Sweetener and Star Ingredient
Canned pineapple chunks in juice make this dish incredibly easy to prepare, but you could also use fresh pineapple if you’re in the mood to go the extra mile. Pineapple not only provides sweetness but also a touch of acidity that complements the vinegar-based sauce. The fruit’s natural enzymes also help tenderize the chicken as it bakes, enhancing the texture of the meat.
As it bakes, the pineapple caramelizes slightly, adding little bursts of sweet-tart flavor throughout the dish. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love golden, roasted pineapple?
A Versatile Dinner Solution
One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas:
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Serve it with rice: White jasmine or basmati rice are perfect for soaking up the sauce, but you could also try brown rice or even coconut rice for extra island flair.
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Low-carb? Try cauliflower rice or a bed of sautéed greens.
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Add stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for a complete meal.
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Double the sauce and toss in cooked noodles for a sweet and savory chicken lo mein-style dinner.
This dish also reheats beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prep. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave the next day. You’ll find that the sauce thickens even more and the flavors deepen with time.
Easy, Yet Impressive
Although this dish is incredibly easy to prepare, it looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The glistening sauce, golden skin, and scattered pineapple pieces make for a stunning presentation. It’s perfect for date nights at home, family dinners, or even casual entertaining.
The prep work is minimal, just 10 minutes of effort to sear the chicken and whisk up the sauce. Then, the oven takes over, doing most of the work while you relax, clean up, or whip up a quick side dish.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
This sweet and sour chicken is especially popular with kids, thanks to the sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar. Yet it’s sophisticated enough for adults, thanks to the vinegar and umami elements that create a multi-layered flavor experience.
It’s a win-win dish for households with varying tastes, simple enough for picky eaters, yet complex enough to satisfy foodies and flavor-lovers.
Substitutions and Customizations
If you’re the kind of cook who likes to make recipes your own, here are a few ways to customize this dish:
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Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce to the glaze.
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Use boneless thighs or breasts: If you prefer, reduce cooking time slightly.
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Add more vegetables: Bell peppers, carrots, or onions would roast beautifully with the chicken.
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Go gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
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Make it vegan: Swap chicken with cauliflower florets or tofu, sear until golden, and follow the same sauce and baking process.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. If microwaving, sprinkle a bit of water over the chicken to keep it moist, and cover it with a microwave-safe lid.
This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before placing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Benefits
At around 390 kcal per serving, this dish is hearty but not overly heavy. The chicken thighs provide protein and essential nutrients like B12 and iron. Pineapple offers vitamin C and manganese, while the homemade sauce allows you to control the sugar and sodium content compared to takeout versions.
If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the brown sugar to 1/3 cup or substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar-free alternative.
Conclusion
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs with Pineapple is the perfect example of a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. It’s warm, welcoming, and loaded with flavor, yet surprisingly simple to make. The sweet and tangy sauce combined with juicy chicken and roasted pineapple chunks delivers a tropical escape right from your kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family, prepping meals for the week, or simply craving a flavorful and satisfying dish, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your rotation. The vibrant colors, bold flavors, and home-cooked comfort it brings to the table make it a standout meal that’s worthy of sharing and savoring.