Baked pineapple chicken thighs offer a sweet and tangy flavor with tender, juicy results. This easy dinner recipe needs a quick marinade and simple baking for caramelized, crowd-pleasing chicken every time.

Recipe

Baked pineapple chicken thighs in a white dish with caramelized glaze, juicy pineapple chunks, and fresh green onion garnish on a purple background

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The Marinade Is Loaded With Flavor: A little sweet, a little tangy, a little spicy, it's the perfect balance.
It's Great For Baking: The marinade caramelizes beautifully, giving the chicken a rich, flavorful exterior while keeping the inside soft and juicy.
Tastes Just As Good The Next Day: Leftovers are juicy and flavorful, whether you eat them cold or reheated.

Huli Huli-Inspired Hawaiian Chicken Thighs for Busy Nights

My Hawaiian chicken thighs recipe is one I reach for whenever I want an easy, flavorful dinner. These baked pineapple chicken thighs use skinless, boneless chicken that stays juicy and tender, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

It's a Huli Huli-inspired dish with that perfect sweet and savory balance from the pineapple marinade. The leftovers are just as good in wraps or salads, making it one of my favorite chicken thighs with pineapple recipes that never disappoints.

Baked pineapple chicken thighs with a glossy caramelized sauce, roasted pineapple chunks, and sliced green onions in a white baking dish on a purple background

Key Ingredients in Baked Pineapple Chicken Thighs

You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at a few of the ingredients and why I use them.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: I use thighs because they stay juicy, soak up the marinade, and are forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Canned Pineapple Juice & Aromatics: Pineapple juice adds gentle sweetness, while ginger and garlic give the marinade a fresh lift and savory depth.
Flavor Boosters: Light soy sauce, Worcestershire, sherry, and apple cider vinegar round out the taste, balancing sweet, salty, and tangy notes.
Seasonings & Pineapple: Brown sugar for caramelization, smoked paprika for warmth, sriracha for mild heat, sesame oil for nuttiness, and pineapple slices with green onion for freshness.

How to Make Baked Pineapple Chicken Thighs

You can find the complete printable baked pineapple chicken thighs recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients until well combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a separate bowl, pour the marinade over them, and mix well to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

3. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish in a single layer and nest pineapple slices around or on top.

4. Bake the Chicken: Bake uncovered at 430°F / 220°C (400°F convection / 200°C fan) for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked and slightly caramelized.

Baked pineapple chicken thighs served on a white plate with caramelized pineapple pieces and green onion garnish on a purple background

My Tips for Juicy Pineapple Chicken Thighs

Let The Chicken Thighs Rest Before Serving: After baking, I let the chicken sit for 5 minutes so the juices settle.

Double The Marinade For Meal Prep: I often make a second batch just for tossing over rice or veggies during the week.

Storage Leftovers Pineapple Chicken Thighs

Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What to Serve with Chicken Thighs with Pineapple

Baked pineapple chicken thighs go great with simple, fresh sides. I usually serve it with baked pineapple slices. Coconut rice or steamed jasmine rice is a nice base to soak up all the flavor. For something crisp, a cucumber salad or a tomato salad adds a refreshing touch.