Hawaiian chicken is a juicy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners. This recipe combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and crunchy vegetables for a delightful meal your family will love. It’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights.
Table of Contents
Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Ingredients for Hawaiian Chicken
- 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 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 ginger, grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Sesame seeds (for topping)
- Green onion (for topping)
Cooking Instructions for Hawaiian Chicken
- In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If you like a kick, add red pepper flakes. Mix well and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nearly cooked through.
- Add diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet, stir, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Gradually add this to the pan until the sauce reaches the desired thickness, cooking for a few more minutes.
- Before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onion.
Tips for Best Results
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor. If you prefer fresh pineapple, you can replace the canned pineapple by using 1 cup diced fresh pineapple and regular pineapple juice.
Adjusting Spice Levels
If you like it mild, simply omit the red pepper flakes for a sweet and savory flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve with Hawaiian Chicken
This Hawaiian chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, which soaks up the sauce beautifully. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a healthy balance.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep!
FAQs
What are the key ingredients in Hawaiian chicken?
The key ingredients in Hawaiian chicken include boneless skinless chicken, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and red bell pepper.
How do I make Hawaiian chicken on the grill?
To grill Hawaiian chicken, marinate the chicken pieces in the sauce and then grill them over medium heat until cooked through, adding the pineapple and bell pepper towards the end.
What side dishes pair well with Hawaiian chicken?
Hawaiian chicken pairs well with white rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Can I use boneless chicken for Hawaiian chicken recipes?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly for this recipe.
What variations can I try for Hawaiian chicken recipes?
You can try adding different vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, or use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a different flavor.
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
This Hawaiian chicken recipe brings the sweet and savory flavors of the islands right to your home. It’s simple to make and packed with deliciousness. For more inspiration, check out my Pinterest for a variety of recipes to try! You’ll find ideas that will keep your weeknight dinners exciting and new.
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Delicious Hawaiian Chicken Recipe for Quick Dinners
Equipment
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 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 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 ginger, grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Sesame seeds for topping
- Green onion for topping
Instructions
- Combine pineapple juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to skillet, and sear for about 8 minutes.
- Add red bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Pour sauce mixture into the skillet, stir, and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Combine cornstarch with water to create a slurry, add to the pan, and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onion before serving.
