Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

Hawaiian Chicken is a delightful fusion of tropical flavors, combining juicy chicken with a tangy and sweet pineapple sauce.

This dish brings the vibrant taste of the islands straight to your dinner table, and it’s incredibly versatile—whether you’re grilling it, baking it, or preparing it in a slow cooker, Hawaiian Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The beauty of this dish lies in the contrast of flavors. The sweetness of pineapple is balanced by the savory richness of soy sauce and the subtle acidity of rice vinegar. Perfect for a family meal or a backyard BBQ, this recipe will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.

Why Hawaiian Chicken Is So Popular

Hawaiian Chicken is loved for its balanced sweet-and-savory flavor profile. The combination of pineapple, soy sauce, and ginger creates a marinade that’s bursting with tropical flair. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners.

The versatility of the dish also adds to its popularity. You can grill it for a smoky flavor, bake it for a hands-off approach, or cook it in a slow cooker for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

How to Prepare the Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Before marinating, season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. This helps enhance the flavor of the meat and ensures it’s well-seasoned throughout.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well-blended.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over it. Make sure each piece is coated evenly. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.

Making the Hawaiian Sauce

The key to this dish is the pineapple-infused sauce. Here’s how to make it:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, garlic, and ginger. Stir well to combine.
2. Cook the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and whisk it into the sauce.
3. Adjust the Flavor: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more brown sugar for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness.

Cooking Instructions

Option 1: Grilling the Chicken

Grilling adds a smoky, charred flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet pineapple sauce.

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Brush the chicken with some of the sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.

Option 2: Baking the Chicken

Baking is a great hands-off approach that lets the chicken soak up all the sauce.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish, then pour half of the sauce over it.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting with the remaining sauce halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked.

Option 3: Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

For an extra tender result, use a slow cooker.

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it.
2. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

Hawaiian Chicken pairs perfectly with:

• Steamed White or Brown Rice: The sauce soaks into the rice, adding delicious flavor to every bite.
• Grilled Pineapple Slices: For an extra burst of tropical flavor.
• Vegetables: Serve with stir-fried or roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.

Recipe Variations

Pineapple-Glazed Hawaiian Chicken

If you love a stronger pineapple flavor, add pineapple chunks to the sauce and let them caramelize during the last few minutes of cooking.

Spicy Hawaiian Chicken

For a spicier kick, add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

Cut the chicken into chunks and thread them onto skewers along with pineapple and bell pepper pieces. Grill or bake as per the original recipe.

Can You Make it Ahead?

Yes, Hawaiian Chicken is a great dish to make ahead. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Once cooked, the chicken and sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, simply warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Version

For a grilled version, follow the marinating instructions but grill the chicken over medium-high heat, turning occasionally until fully cooked. You can also grill pineapple slices to serve alongside the chicken.

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

For a slow cooker version, place the marinated chicken and sauce in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This method ensures tender, juicy chicken every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not marinating long enough: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
• Overcooking the chicken: Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid dry chicken.
• Skipping the basting: Basting the chicken with sauce while cooking helps keep it moist and flavorful.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Chicken is a deliciously simple dish that combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in perfect harmony. Whether you’re grilling it for a summer BBQ, baking it for an easy dinner, or slow-cooking it for extra tenderness, this dish is sure to be a hit. With minimal ingredients and a taste that will transport you to the islands, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

FAQs

Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?

Yes, canned pineapple works just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to use pineapple in juice rather than syrup for a less sugary dish.

How Do I Make This Recipe Spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced jalapeños to the marinade for a spicy kick.

Yield: 4

Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

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Hawaiian Chicken is a delightful fusion of tropical flavors, combining juicy chicken with a tangy and sweet pineapple sauce. This dish brings the vibrant taste of the islands straight to your dinner table, and it's incredibly versatile—whether you're grilling it, baking it, or preparing it in a slow cooker, Hawaiian Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup barbecue sauce
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Chopped green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Combine Ingredients In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture over the onions and bell peppers in the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Add Pineapple and Chicken Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet and stir. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them on top of the sauce and pineapple.
6. Bake the Chicken Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the sauce is bubbly.
7. Serve Serve the Hawaiian chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Pineapple: For a tangier flavor, use fresh pineapple or adjust the amount of pineapple based on your taste preference.

Vegetables: You can also add other vegetables such as snap peas or carrots for extra crunch and flavor.

Thickening Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.