Flavorful Slam Dunk Chicken Thighs Recipe for Dinner Joy

Juicy, tender slam dunk chicken thighs have become the secret weapon in my weeknight dinner arsenal.

These succulent pieces of poultry pack a serious flavor punch that leaves everyone asking for seconds.

The marinade infuses each bite with a perfect blend of spices and zest.

Simple ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering dish that feels like a culinary victory.

Crispy on the outside and incredibly moist within, these chicken thighs deliver restaurant-quality taste right from your own kitchen.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, making this recipe a game-changer for home cooks seeking a quick and impressive meal.

You’ll want to add this to your regular rotation and savor every single bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15min

Cook Time: 60min

Total Time: 1hr 15min

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Slam Dunk Chicken Thighs Ingredient List

• Chicken Thighs: Succulent and juicy cut that absorbs marinades beautifully, perfect for creating tender and flavorful dish. Choose bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum richness and deeper taste.

• Pineapple Juice, Soy Sauce: Tropical sweetness meets umami depth for complex flavor profile. Select 100% pure pineapple juice and low-sodium soy sauce for balanced seasoning.
• Brown Sugar: Provides caramelized sweetness and helps sauce develop gorgeous glossy texture. Opt for dark brown sugar for richer molasses undertones.
• Ketchup: Adds tangy complexity and helps thicken sauce naturally. Choose organic varieties for cleaner taste.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances overall savory foundation of the dish. Select low-sodium version to control salt levels.

• Ginger, Garlic: Aromatic powerhouses delivering vibrant, zesty punch. Use fresh roots for most intense flavor experience.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, distinctive essence. Use sparingly as it's potently flavored.
• Cornstarch, Water: Creates magical thickening slurry for silky sauce consistency. Mix thoroughly to prevent lumps.

• Green Onions: Adds fresh, sharp brightness and visual appeal. Choose crisp, bright green stalks.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides delightful textural crunch and nutty undertone. Lightly toast for enhanced flavor.
• Pineapple Slices: Brings fresh, sweet garnish that complements dish's tropical profile. Select ripe, golden pineapple.

Tools to Make Slam Dunk Chicken

• Large baking dish: Essential for evenly roasting chicken thighs in a single layer.
• Saucepan: Perfect for creating and simmering the flavorful sauce.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing cornstarch slurry.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending cornstarch and creating smooth sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Sharp knife: Great for slicing green onions and preparing garnishes.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for chopping ingredients.

Cooking Directions for Chicken Thighs

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy temperature that’ll transform ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion.

• Sauce Magic

Create a tantalizing liquid symphony by blending tropical and savory ingredients in a saucepan, letting them dance and mingle over gentle heat.

• Sauce Transformation

Let the mixture bubble and reduce, developing deep, rich flavors that will make taste buds do a happy dance.

• Sauce Thickening

Introduce a secret weapon to give the sauce a luxurious, clingy texture that will hug every inch of the chicken.

• Chicken Coating

Lovingly drench the chicken pieces in the glossy, aromatic sauce, ensuring each morsel gets maximum flavor coverage.

• Baking Adventure

Slide the dish into the oven and let the heat work its magic, caramelizing the sauce and turning the chicken into a golden, succulent masterpiece.

• Resting and Styling

Allow the chicken to catch its breath after cooking, then dress it up with fresh, vibrant garnishes that’ll make it look like a restaurant-worthy dish.

Extra Flavor Options for Slam Dunk Chicken

• Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, or tofu for a versatile meal that keeps everyone happy.
• Let chicken thighs soak in the sauce for 2-4 hours before cooking to intensify flavor absorption and create more tender meat.
• If sauce becomes too thick, thin it with extra pineapple juice or chicken broth; if too thin, continue simmering or add more cornstarch slurry.
• Transfer marinated chicken to a preheated grill for beautiful char marks and smoky flavor, basting with sauce during cooking for caramelized edges.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha into the sauce for those craving an extra kick of heat and zesty complexity.

Serve Chicken Thighs with These Ideas

• Tropical Luau Plate: Serve alongside fluffy coconut rice and grilled pineapple wedges for a Hawaiian-inspired feast that transports your taste buds to a beachside paradise.
• Family-Style Feast: Place the chicken thighs in a large central serving platter with colorful vegetable sides like roasted bell peppers and steamed broccoli for a communal dining experience.
• Asian-Inspired Bowl: Create a complete meal by placing the saucy chicken over a bed of jasmine rice, topped with extra green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
• Quick Meal Prep Champion: Pack cooled chicken thighs with quinoa and quick-pickled vegetables in meal prep containers for delicious lunch options that stay fresh and exciting throughout the week.

Keeping Chicken Thighs Juicy After Cooking

• Smart Portioning: Divide chicken thighs into single-serve containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or dinners during busy weekdays. Individual portions make reheating and meal prep super convenient.
• Refrigerator Magic: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauce separate to maintain the crispy texture and prevent soggy edges when reheating.
• Freezer-Friendly Trick: Wrap cooled chicken thighs tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. These delicious meals can stay frozen for 2-3 months without losing their amazing flavor profile. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm chicken in the oven at 350°F for best results. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and add a splash of extra sauce to refresh the moisture. Microwave works in a pinch, but may slightly compromise the sauce's texture and chicken's crispy edges.

Crispy Slam Dunk Chicken Thighs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1hr 15min
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Slam dunk chicken thighs deliver bold Mediterranean flavors through a perfect blend of herbs and spices. Crispy skin and juicy meat make this dish a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (240 ml) pineapple juice
• ½ cup (120 ml) soy sauce
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) ketchup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth
• 2 tbsps fresh ginger, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsps sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) water
• Fresh pineapple slices, for garnish (optional)
• Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange chicken thighs in a single layer within a spacious baking dish, ensuring ample room for even cooking.
2. Sauce Creation: Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat, simmering until the mixture develops a rich, aromatic profile.
3. Sauce Thickening: Whisk cornstarch with water, then slowly integrate into the bubbling sauce, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a glossy, luxurious glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken.
4. Coating and Roasting: Generously drench chicken thighs with the prepared sauce, ensuring comprehensive coverage, then roast in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, intermittently basting to intensify caramelization and flavor depth.
5. Finalization: Confirm chicken’s doneness by verifying an internal temperature of 165°F, allowing the sauce to develop a sticky, burnished finish, then remove from oven and let rest briefly for juice redistribution.
6. Serving: Garnish with vibrant pineapple slices, delicate green onion slivers, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, presenting a visually stunning and flavor-packed dish that promises to tantalize taste buds.

Notes

• Marinade Magic: Simmer sauce slowly to develop deep, rich flavors that will completely transform your chicken’s taste profile.
• Temperature Precision: Always check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe, juicy meat without overcooking.
• Basting Brilliance: Regularly brush sauce during roasting ensures maximum caramelization and prevents dry chicken surfaces.
• Resting Ritual: Allow chicken to rest 5-10 minutes after cooking so internal juices redistribute, creating incredibly tender and succulent meat.

• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 60min
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 960 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg