For a dinner that will wow your family and guests, this Spectacular Pineapple-Stuffed Chicken Thighs recipe is the way to go. Juicy chicken thighs are stuffed with sweet pineapple and gooey cheese, then baked to perfection. Paired with a zesty homemade pineapple sauce and crispy seasoned potatoes, this meal is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Thighs:
- 8 chicken thighs (about 1500g)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- 170g pineapple, chopped
- 150g cheese, sliced
- Toothpicks
For the Sauce:
- 200 ml pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 90 ml ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 30-50 ml apple cider vinegar (adjust to taste)
- 70-90g sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Potatoes:
- New potatoes (quantity as desired)
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken Thighs:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Clean and pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them evenly with salt, paprika, garlic powder, dried basil, and ground coriander on both sides.
- Take each chicken thigh and place a small amount of chopped pineapple and a slice of cheese in the center. Roll the thigh tightly and secure it with a toothpick to keep the filling in place.
- Place the stuffed thighs in a greased baking dish, seam side down.
2. Making the Pineapple Sauce:
- In a saucepan, mix the pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a little water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the saucepan and heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more sugar or vinegar if needed. Once ready, set aside.
3. Roasting the Chicken:
- Pour half of the pineapple sauce over the stuffed chicken thighs, making sure each thigh is coated.
- Secure the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven, baking for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes or until the chicken is golden and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C/165°F).
- In the final 5 minutes of cooking, baste the thighs with more sauce to give them a beautiful glaze.
4. Preparing the Crispy Potatoes:
- While the chicken is baking, scrub the new potatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss the potatoes in a bowl with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 200°C (390°F) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy on the outside and tender inside.
5. Serving:
- Once the chicken is done, remove the toothpicks and transfer the thighs to a serving dish.
- Drizzle the remaining pineapple sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Serve the chicken thighs alongside the crispy roasted potatoes for a complete and spectacular meal.
Conclusion:
This recipe for Pineapple-Stuffed Chicken Thighs is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, thanks to the combination of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, melted cheese, and a rich pineapple sauce. Paired with the crunchy, perfectly seasoned potatoes, this dish brings a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!