Name: Hawaiian Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 15 oz can pineapple chunks, juice and fruit separated; ⅓ cup chicken broth; ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Sesame seeds, for topping; Green onions, for topping

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tropical flavors: The sweetness of pineapple paired with the savory soy sauce gives this dish a unique and delicious flavor.
Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup required, making it ideal for weeknight cooking.
Customizable: Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to enhance the dish.
Kid-friendly: The mild sweetness appeals to younger palates.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 red bell pepper, diced
15 oz can pineapple chunks, juice and fruit separated
⅓ cup chicken broth
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sesame seeds, for topping
Green onions, for topping

Directions

Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook until browned and nearly cooked through, about 8 minutes.
Add vegetables: Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Combine and simmer: Add the pineapple chunks and the prepared sauce to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy twist: Add a diced jalapeño to the skillet for a spicy kick.
Vegetable boost: Incorporate snap peas, carrots, or broccoli florets for added nutrition.
Grilled version: Marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes, then grill until cooked through.
Pineapple rice: Serve the chicken over rice cooked with pineapple chunks for enhanced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeño or increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce to suit your heat preference.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. They will add a richer flavor to the dish.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely. Use 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks and include a bit of pineapple juice to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, add a small amount of water or chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can marinate the chicken in the sauce for up to 24 hours before cooking for enhanced flavor.

What sides pair well with Hawaiian Chicken?

Serve with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What can I substitute for soy sauce?

Coconut aminos or liquid aminos can be used as a soy sauce alternative for those avoiding soy.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the tropics to your table. With its sweet and savory sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing for a weekend gathering, this recipe offers a quick and flavorful option that’s both satisfying and versatile.

Hawaiian Chicken

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Hawaiian Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a sweet and savory pineapple-infused sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan meal combines tropical flavors with a simple prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner. Add vegetables for extra nutrition and enjoy this flavorful, family-friendly meal.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 20min
Total Time: 30min
Yield: 4servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for about 8 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through.
Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.
Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Combine and Simmer: Add the pineapple chunks and prepared sauce to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir into the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeño or more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Vegetable Boost: Add snap peas, carrots, or broccoli florets for more nutrition.
Grilled Version: Marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes and grill until fully cooked.
Pineapple Rice: Serve the chicken over rice cooked with pineapple chunks for extra flavor.