Description
This Chipotle Pineapple Chicken with Bang Bang Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the smoky heat of chipotle chiles with the sweetness of fresh pineapple. Baked to perfection and served over rice with creamy bang bang sauce and avocado slices, this recipe is a delightful fusion of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1-3 chipotle chiles in adobo (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons cold, salted butter, sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
To Serve
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for perfectly baked chicken.
- Prepare Chicken and Sauce: Arrange the chicken breasts or thighs on a sheet pan. In a blender, combine tamari or soy sauce, rice or apple cider vinegar, honey, tomato paste, chipotle chiles, paprika, fresh thyme, garlic cloves, salt, and pepper. Blend until the chipotles are finely chopped and the mixture is well combined.
- Marinate and Arrange: Pour the blended sauce over the chicken on the sheet pan. Toss gently to coat all pieces thoroughly. Nestle the fresh pineapple chunks around the chicken pieces on the pan. Scatter sliced cold salted butter over the chicken and sprinkle sesame seeds evenly atop each piece.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the pineapple is caramelized.
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken is baking, mix the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with sweet Thai chili sauce, grated garlic, and lime zest in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the baked chipotle pineapple chicken and pineapple chunks over bowls of cooked rice. Add sliced avocado and fresh thyme leaves for garnish. Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the top. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results; chicken breasts work well for a leaner option.
- Adjust the number of chipotle chiles depending on your preferred spice level.
- Fresh pineapple adds natural sweetness and juiciness; canned pineapple is a possible substitute but may alter texture and flavor slightly.
- The bang bang sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
