Tropical Baked Chicken Delight
This Tropical Baked Chicken Delight is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breast with sweet, juicy pineapple and a rich, tangy sauce. Inspired by a memorable Valentine's Dance event, this recipe has captured the hearts and appetites of children and adults alike. Each bite is a delightful balance of savory and sweet, enhanced by the brightness of maraschino cherries nestled in the pineapple. Perfectly served over fluffy rice, this dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also an excellent way to introduce new flavors to your picky eaters. Whether for a family dinner or a gathering, this dish promises to bring a smile to everyone's face!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breast half
1 lb (rinsed and patted dry)
salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
pineapple slices
1 (20 ounce) can (drained, juice reserved)
garlic clove
1 (pressed)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (to thicken sauce)
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons (for flavor)
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (for flavor)
rosemary
1 teaspoon (crumbled, for flavor)
maraschino cherries
1 (10 ounce) jar (halved, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a shallow casserole dish or a 9x13 inch baking pan. Evenly sprinkle salt over the chicken.
3
Open the can of pineapple slices and drain the juice into a measuring cup, making sure to reserve the slices.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the reserved pineapple juice, pressed garlic, cornstarch, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and crumbled rosemary. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
5
Pour the sauce mixture over the seasoned chicken, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
6
Arrange the pineapple slices on top of the chicken, and place half of a maraschino cherry into the center of each pineapple slice.
7
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
8
After 30 minutes, remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes to allow the chicken to brown slightly and the sauce to thicken.
9
Once baked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon the savory sauce over the chicken and served accompanied by a bed of fluffy rice.
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
10g
Carbs
23g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Baked Chicken Delight?
It is a vibrant dish combining tender chicken breast with sweet pineapple, maraschino cherries, and a tangy savory sauce, inspired by a Valentine's Dance event.
How many calories are in one serving of this recipe?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is specifically described as kid-friendly and a great way to introduce new flavors to picky eaters.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of boneless chicken breast halves.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the chicken need to bake?
Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
What are the main flavors in the sauce?
The sauce features a blend of pineapple juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and rosemary.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce as it bakes with the chicken.
Should I rinse the chicken before cooking?
The instructions recommend rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water and patting them dry.
How do I prepare the pineapple?
Use a 20-ounce can of pineapple slices, draining the juice to use in the sauce and reserving the slices for the topping.
What garnish is used in this dish?
Maraschino cherries are halved and placed in the center of each pineapple slice for garnish.
What should I serve with Tropical Baked Chicken?
It is best served over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the savory sauce.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving contains 23g of protein.
How much fat does this recipe contain?
The dish contains 3.3g of fat per serving.
What size baking pan should I use?
A shallow casserole dish or a 9x13 inch baking pan is ideal.
Is the rosemary used fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of crumbled rosemary, which can be dried.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 pressed garlic clove.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid for the first 30 minutes of baking.
When do I add the cherries?
Place the cherry halves in the pineapple slices before putting the dish into the oven.
What kind of mustard is best?
The recipe specifically recommends Dijon mustard for its flavor profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients, including the chicken, seasonings, and fruit.
Can I skip the Worcestershire sauce?
While possible, Worcestershire sauce adds a key savory element to the tropical sauce.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Whisk the pineapple juice, cornstarch, and other sauce ingredients until the starch is fully dissolved.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken breast, baked chicken, pineapple chicken, family meal, kid-friendly, and tropical.
How much salt is needed?
Use 1 teaspoon of salt to evenly season the chicken.
Should I let the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, let it rest for a few minutes before serving to help the juices redistribute.
Is there any sugar added to the recipe?
No extra sugar is added; the sweetness comes from the pineapple juice and cherries.
How is the chicken prepared for the pan?
The chicken should be rinsed, patted dry, and seasoned with salt before being coated in sauce.
What is the total amount of pineapple needed?
One 20-ounce can of pineapple slices is required.