Ingredients
Scale
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)
- 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned, unsweetened preferred)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or your favorite store-bought brand)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
Substitution tip: If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade. For a lighter option, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well but will cook faster—adjust accordingly.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help crisp up the chicken skin beautifully, just like Mama Lou’s always did.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, crushed pineapple, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully combined.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper. Dry skin is key to getting that golden crisp.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and sear them on the stovetop over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. This step adds depth of flavor—Mama Lou swore by it!
- Flip the chicken thighs over and pour the pineapple barbecue sauce evenly over the top.
- Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbling and caramelized.
- Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the sauce from the pan to keep it moist and flavorful. I remember Ouma and I taking turns with the basting brush, giggling as the sticky sauce dripped everywhere.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps every bite tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
