Quick & Juicy Slam Dunk Chicken Thighs Recipe for Family Dinners

Slam dunk chicken thighs refine ordinary weeknight dinners into culinary slam dunks that score big with hungry families.

These juicy, flavor-packed protein champions bring serious game to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Marinating techniques elevate these tender meat pieces from basic to extraordinary, infusing deep, complex tastes that dance across taste buds.

Home cooks love how quickly these thighs come together, making meal preparation feel like a winning strategy.

Rich, succulent meat promises a delightful eating experience that satisfies without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Strategic seasoning and smart cooking methods guarantee a consistently delicious result that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate the versatility and crowd-pleasing potential of these mouthwatering chicken thighs.

Flavor Explosion Behind Slam Dunk Chicken Thighs

• Burst with Tropical Flavor: The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger creates a mouthwatering Hawaiian-inspired sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
• Achieve Restaurant-Quality Glaze: The cornstarch slurry and careful basting technique ensure a perfectly caramelized, glossy coating that locks in moisture and delivers intense, sticky-sweet deliciousness.
• Effortless Gourmet Cooking: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe allows home cooks to create a restaurant-worthy dish without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.

Simple Ingredients for Slam Dunk Chicken Thighs Perfection

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy, bone-in meat that provides rich flavor and tender texture, best when skin-on for extra crispiness.

• Pineapple Juice, Soy Sauce: Sweet and savory liquid base that creates deep, complex flavor profile with Hawaiian-Asian inspiration.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness and helps sauce thicken and glaze chicken.
• Ketchup: Provides tangy undertone and helps create glossy sauce consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances overall sauce depth and moisture.

• Ginger, Garlic: Fresh aromatics that bring vibrant, zesty punch to the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty, rich undertone with authentic Asian cooking essence.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates smooth slurry to help sauce reach perfect glossy consistency.

• Pineapple Slices: Fresh tropical topping that complements sauce's flavor.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Adds fresh crunch and visual appeal to final dish.

How to Nail Slam Dunk Chicken Thighs Every Time

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large baking dish and spread out chicken thighs in a single layer.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Pineapple juice
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Chicken broth
• Grated ginger
• Minced garlic
• Sesame oil

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble over medium heat.

Step 3: Simmer and Develop Depth

Let the sauce dance and bubble softly for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch it transform and thicken.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce Magic

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until it coats the back of a spoon like a silky sauce superhero.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Pour the glossy sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure every inch is covered in deliciousness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

• Internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
• Sauce is bubbling and caramelized

Pro tip: Baste the chicken halfway through cooking for extra flavor punch.

Step 7: Rest and Relax

Pull the dish out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle and flavors meld.

Step 8: Gorgeous Garnish

• Fresh pineapple slices
• Sliced green onions
• Sprinkle of sesame seeds

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Pro Tips for Crispy, Juicy Slam Dunk Chicken Thighs

• Marinade Magic: Let chicken thighs sit in the sauce for 30 minutes before baking to enhance deep, rich flavor absorption.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for perfectly safe and juicy results.
• Sauce Thickness Strategy: Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce coating.
• Caramelization Control: Baste chicken every 15 minutes during baking to develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior with intense flavor layers.
• Pan Selection Hack: Choose a wide, shallow baking dish to help sauce reduce and chicken skin crisp evenly without steaming.

Keeping Slam Dunk Chicken Thighs Delicious After Day One

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap cooled chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. For frozen chicken, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Go-To Pairings for Slam Dunk Chicken Thighs

• Pair with Tropical Rice Delight: Create a fluffy coconut-infused jasmine rice that complements the sweet and tangy sauce of the chicken thighs, absorbing the delicious flavors and providing a perfect base for the meal.
• Serve with Crisp Asian Slaw: Whip up a refreshing coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light rice vinegar dressing that cuts through the richness of the chicken and adds a crunchy texture contrast.
• Chill with Pineapple Ginger Mocktail: Blend fresh pineapple juice, ginger syrup, and sparkling water to create a zesty, refreshing drink that echoes the tropical notes in the chicken's marinade and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Match with Sesame Green Beans: Quickly stir-fry green beans with sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds, creating a light vegetable side that complements the caramelized flavors of the chicken thighs.

Easy Twists to Remix Slam Dunk Chicken Thighs

• Tropical Teriyaki Fusion: Replace pineapple juice with coconut milk and add mango chunks for a sweeter, more tropical flavor profile.
• Spicy Korean-Style Chicken: Incorporate gochujang paste and Korean chili flakes to create a fiery, bold version with a kick of heat.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Remix: Swap soy sauce for olive oil, add rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest to transform the dish with Mediterranean herbs and citrus notes.
• Low-Carb Glaze Alternative: Use sugar-free maple syrup instead of brown sugar and reduce the cornstarch for a lighter, keto-friendly option that maintains the rich, caramelized flavor.

Slam Dunk Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Slam Dunk Chicken Thighs bring bold Korean-inspired flavors to dinner tables with irresistible marinades and crispy textures. Tender chicken thighs glazed in sweet and spicy sauce promise a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pineapple juice
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) water

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Fresh pineapple slices, for garnish (optional)
• Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position chicken thighs in a spacious baking vessel, creating a single-layer arrangement.
2. Craft a robust marinade by merging pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a saucepan over medium flame.
3. Allow the liquid concoction to gently bubble, transforming into a rich, aromatic sauce while stirring intermittently.
4. Create a silky thickening agent by whisking cornstarch with water, then gradually incorporate into the simmering sauce, continuously stirring until the mixture develops a luxurious, glossy consistency.
5. Lavishly drench the chicken thighs with the prepared sauce, ensuring each piece receives an even, generous coating.
6. Transfer the baking dish into the heated oven, allowing the chicken to roast for approximately 50 minutes, periodically basting to enhance caramelization and flavor development.
7. Verify the chicken’s doneness by confirming an internal temperature of 165°F, witnessing the sauce transform into a glistening, sticky glaze.
8. Extract from the oven and permit a brief resting period to allow juices to redistribute.
9. Elevate the presentation by adorning with vibrant pineapple slices, delicate green onion slivers, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

• Achieve mouthwatering caramelization by basting chicken midway through cooking, creating a glossy, flavor-packed exterior that seals in juiciness.
• Transform ordinary chicken thighs into a restaurant-quality dish with a sweet-savory sauce that balances pineapple’s brightness and umami-rich soy sauce.
• Ensure food safety by checking the internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing tender, perfectly cooked meat every single time.
• Create a foolproof cornstarch slurry that instantly thickens the sauce, preventing lumps and delivering a silky-smooth glaze that clings beautifully to each chicken piece.
• Elevate presentation with vibrant garnishes like fresh pineapple slices, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds that add color, texture, and complementary flavors.
• Maximize flavor development by allowing the sauce to simmer and reduce, concentrating its delicious tropical-inspired profile before coating the chicken.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 457
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg