Yes, I know—you’re probably thinking pineapple and chicken? What kind of combination is that? But let me tell you, friends, it is on crazy delicious combination that you’ll want to make over and over again! The smell of this dish as it’s cooking as it’s absolutely divine. And the taste—droolworthy!

A sweet sauce make from pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce and seasonings makes the perfect complement to the tender and juicy chicken. And the pineapple chunks get soft—almost carmelized—and practically melt in your mouth, which perfectly contrasts the crunchy almonds. It’s literally an explostion of flavor and texture!

 

Ingredients

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, trimmed

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks in pineapple juice (not syrup)

1/4 cup honey

1 Tbl apple cider vinegar

3 Tbl low sodium soy sauce

1 tsp fresh grated ginger

1 Tbl cornstarch

1 Tbl water

1/3 cup sliced almonds

 

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450F, middle rack.

Lightly spray a 9×13 baking pan.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.

Place the chicken in the pan, not overlapping.

Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving 1/2 cup of the juice.

Whisk the pineapple juice, honey, ginger, vinegar, and soy sauce together in a medium-sauce pan.

Place over medium heat and simmer, whisking often until it’s thickened slightly. ~about 8 minutes.

Dissolve the cornstarch in the water in a small bowl, then whisk into the pineapple honey sauce.

Place the pineapple chunks over top of the chicken

Pour the pineapple honey sauce over the chicken, and then sprinkle with the almonds.

Bake for 15-22 minutes or until the chicken registers 165F.

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Quick tip: Make this in the crock pot by adding all ingredients except the corn starch slurry and almonds to the slow cooker—cook on low 5-6 hours or high 3-4 until chicken is done. Then add in cornstarch slurry and cook half hour longer on low to thicken the sauce. Garnish with almonds.

Recipe and image courtesy of The Kitchen Whisperer.