Sweet Pineapple Chicken(1977 Cookbook)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Sweet Pineapple Chicken offers tender chicken simmered in a savory and sweet pineapple onion sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with a tropical twist.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 package dry onion soup mix
  • 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup Russian dressing
  • about 6 pounds chicken, cut up or legs and/or thighs

Instructions

  1. Mix together the dry onion soup mix, crushed pineapple, and brown sugar to create the marinade.
  2. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in a large pan with 2-inch sides.
  3. Spoon the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are covered.
  4. Bake uncovered at 325°F for 2 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. You can substitute the Russian dressing with a mix of mayonnaise and ketchup if needed. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. Additionally, using skinless chicken pieces can reduce fat content while still providing great taste. This dish is reminiscent of American recipes that feature sweet and savory combinations.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Sweet Pineapple Chicken with fluffy white rice or steamed vegetables to balance the sweetness. A fresh green salad or coleslaw also complements the dish well. For a complete meal, it pairs beautifully with Oven Baked Herb Chicken, offering a delightful variety of flavors. Consider garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Sweet Pineapple Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil to retain moisture, heating at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet Pineapple Chicken(1977 Cookbook) contains roughly 145 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 568mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

145 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.9g 6% DV
Total Fat 2.4g 3% DV
Carbs 28.9g 10% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 21.3g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 568.3mg 25% DV
Potassium 116.7mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 10.9mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.7mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 33.5mg 3% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken pieces work wonderfully in this recipe. The bone helps retain moisture, resulting in tender and juicy chicken. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time slightly if using larger pieces, as they may require a bit longer to cook through.

What can I serve with Sweet Pineapple Chicken?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside fluffy rice, quinoa, or even a light pasta salad. Vegetables like steamed broccoli or roasted carrots also make excellent accompaniments to balance the sweetness of the chicken.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade and coat the chicken a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to meld. On the day of serving, simply bake as directed, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or entertaining.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Chicken recipes → All recipes →