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Hawaiian Chicken Thighs

Hawaiian Chicken Thighs
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Enjoy juicy, tender Hawaiian Chicken Thighs soaked in a sweet and tangy pineapple-soy marinade that bursts with tropical island flavors. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, combining simple pantry staples with fresh ingredients to deliver a mouthwatering balance of sweet and savory notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4–6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs

Marinade

  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes until the sugar dissolves and flavors combine well.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
  3. Preheat and prepare for cooking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Pat the chicken thighs dry lightly to ensure crispy skin when cooking.
  4. Sear the chicken: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes.
  5. Bake with marinade: Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the sauce thickens into a glaze.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve hot alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry before searing helps achieve crispy skin.
  • Marinate overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
  • Always reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to avoid contamination.
  • Sear the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan for even browning.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian chicken, pineapple chicken, tropical chicken thighs, sweet and savory chicken, baked chicken thighs, gluten-free chicken recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/hawaiian-chicken-thighs/