Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs with Pineapple: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

Sweet and sour chicken is a beloved classic, but deep-frying it can be a messy and unhealthy affair. This recipe for baked sweet and sour chicken thighs with pineapple offers all the flavor and satisfaction of the original, without the added grease and fuss. Using juicy, flavorful chicken thighs keeps the meat incredibly moist during baking, and the pineapple adds a tropical sweetness that perfectly complements the tangy sauce. This dish is incredibly easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it with rice, noodles, or your favorite roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

## Why Chicken Thighs?

While chicken breasts are often the go-to choice for many recipes, chicken thighs offer several advantages in this particular dish:

* **More Flavor:** Chicken thighs have a higher fat content than chicken breasts, resulting in a richer, more savory flavor.
* **More Moisture:** The higher fat content also helps the thighs stay moist and tender during baking, preventing them from drying out. This is crucial for a baked dish where the meat can easily become dry.
* **More Forgiving:** Chicken thighs are more forgiving than chicken breasts when it comes to overcooking. Even if you accidentally bake them for a few extra minutes, they’re less likely to become tough or dry.
* **More Affordable:** In many cases, chicken thighs are also more affordable than chicken breasts, making this recipe a budget-friendly option.

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

* **Chicken Thighs:** 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Using boneless, skinless thighs makes the dish easier to eat and reduces the overall fat content. However, you can use bone-in, skin-on thighs if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Pineapple:** 1 (20-ounce) can of pineapple chunks, drained. The pineapple adds a burst of sweetness and a tropical flavor that complements the sweet and sour sauce perfectly. You can also use fresh pineapple, but canned pineapple is more convenient and readily available.
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/4 cup. Soy sauce provides a salty and umami base for the sauce.
* **Ketchup:** 1/4 cup. Ketchup adds sweetness, tanginess, and a rich tomato flavor to the sauce.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/4 cup. Brown sugar adds a molasses-like sweetness and helps to caramelize the sauce during baking.
* **Rice Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons. Rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the sugar and ketchup.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon. Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent to create a glossy and flavorful sauce.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the dish.
* **Ginger:** 1 teaspoon, grated. Ginger adds a warm and slightly spicy note that complements the other flavors perfectly. Fresh ginger is preferred, but you can use ground ginger if necessary.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 teaspoon. Sesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the dish.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):** 1/4 teaspoon. Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the dish. Adjust the amount to your preference.
* **Green Onions (Optional):** For garnish. Green onions add a fresh and vibrant flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
* **Sesame Seeds (Optional):** For garnish. Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a pleasing texture to the dish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. If using bone-in thighs, arrange them so they are not overlapping.

2. **Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Add the red pepper flakes if using.

3. **Combine Ingredients:** Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly. Distribute the drained pineapple chunks around the chicken thighs.

4. **Bake the Chicken:** Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The sauce should be thickened and glossy.

5. **Rest and Garnish:** Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

## Tips for Success:

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Make sure the chicken thighs are arranged in a single layer in the baking dish. Overcrowding the pan will steam the chicken instead of browning it. If necessary, use two baking dishes.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Using fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of the sauce. If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger, but reduce the amount to 1/2 teaspoon.
* **Thicken the Sauce:** If the sauce is too thin after baking, you can thicken it by simmering it in a saucepan on the stovetop for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the sauce while it’s simmering.
* **Customize the Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, or broccoli. Add them to the baking dish along with the pineapple chunks.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** For an even more flavorful dish, marinate the chicken thighs in the sweet and sour sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, before baking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken and make it even more tender.
* **Broil for Extra Browning:** For a deeper color and slightly crispy edges, broil the chicken for the last few minutes of baking. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
* **Use an Instant-Read Thermometer:** The best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Consider Pineapple Juice:** If you want a stronger pineapple flavor, consider adding a tablespoon or two of pineapple juice to the sauce.

## Serving Suggestions:

This baked sweet and sour chicken thighs with pineapple is delicious served with:

* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice are all excellent choices.
* **Noodles:** Egg noodles, rice noodles, or lo mein noodles are also great options.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or asparagus make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Quinoa:** Quinoa is a nutritious and protein-rich alternative to rice or noodles.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or Asian-inspired salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and flavorful chicken.

## Variations:

* **Spicy Sweet and Sour Chicken:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicier kick.
* **Honey Garlic Sweet and Sour Chicken:** Substitute the brown sugar with honey and add a clove of minced garlic for a honey garlic twist.
* **Orange Sweet and Sour Chicken:** Add orange zest and a splash of orange juice to the sauce for a citrusy flavor.
* **Lemon Sweet and Sour Chicken:** Substitute the rice vinegar with lemon juice and add lemon zest for a tangy twist.
* **Cashew Chicken:** Add roasted cashews to the baking dish during the last 10 minutes of baking for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

## Make Ahead & Storage:

* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also marinate the chicken thighs in the sauce overnight for an even more flavorful dish.
* **Storage:** Leftover baked sweet and sour chicken thighs with pineapple can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
* **Freezing:** While the chicken can be frozen, the texture of the pineapple may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Enjoy!

This baked sweet and sour chicken thighs with pineapple recipe is a delicious, easy, and healthy way to enjoy a classic dish. With its juicy chicken, sweet and tangy sauce, and tropical pineapple, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal!

## Recipe Card

**Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs with Pineapple**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes

**Cook Time:** 30-35 minutes

**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
* 1 (20-ounce) can of pineapple chunks, drained
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup ketchup
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Green onions, for garnish (optional)
* Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. Place chicken thighs in the baking dish.
3. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Pour sauce over chicken thighs and distribute pineapple chunks around the chicken.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (if using).

**Notes:**

* Adjust sweetness and spice to your liking.
* Marinate chicken for extra flavor.
* Serve with rice or noodles.

Enjoy!