Description
Jakks Pacific Rim Chicken offers a flavorful fusion of savory, sweet, and spicy with tender chicken thighs marinated and cooked in a unique blend of soy sauce, Sriracha, pineapple juice, and brown sugar, topped with juicy pineapple slices for a tropical twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6-7 chicken thighs
Marinade & Sauce
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
Topping
- 6-7 pineapple slices (fresh or canned)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the low sodium soy sauce, Sriracha sauce, water, light brown sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and pineapple juice. Whisk well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the sugar is dissolved, creating a balanced marinade that is savory, sweet, and slightly spicy.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, ideally up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat and Prepare for Cooking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish or sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup and arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer.
- Add Pineapple Slices: Top each chicken thigh with a pineapple slice. The pineapple provides natural sweetness and moisture, complementing the spicy and savory marinade flavors.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken thighs for about 25-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through. The pineapple will caramelize slightly, adding a rich texture and additional flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve the Pacific Rim Chicken with steamed rice or your favorite side dish to enjoy a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but baking time may vary slightly.
- For extra caramelization, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end but watch closely to avoid burning.
- If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple slices packed in juice work well.
- Adjust the Sriracha quantity to modulate the heat level according to your preference.
- Marinating longer than 2 hours can deepen the flavor but avoid exceeding 12 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming too soft due to the acidity in the marinade.
