Sarah BrownEasy Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the sweet and savory sauce beautifully. Sprinkle some sesame seeds for an extra touch.
Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms add a smoky flavor, while crispy coleslaw offers a refreshing, tangy crunch that balances the dish.
A tropical fruit salad with pineapple, mango, and kiwi enhances the island vibe, and for a fun twist, garlic bread brings a comforting, savory note. Ready to start cooking?
I remember the first time I tasted Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken. It was one of those potluck gatherings, bursting with laughter and the mouthwatering aroma of grilled chicken.
As I approached the counter, my eyes went straight to that golden, sticky delight smothered in pineapple goodness.
I took a bite, and just like that, I was transported to an island vacation. Today, I’ll share with you how to recreate that magic at home with my Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken recipe.
Trust me, your family will come running when they catch a whiff of this dish cooking.
What is Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken?
At its core, this dish is a beautiful melange of tender chicken and sweet pineapple. It’s bathed in a homemade sauce made of fresh ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar.
This recipe is about simplicity—using wholesome ingredients to create a dish that tastes anything but ordinary. The balance of flavors is what draws people in; it’s sweet but savory, with just a hint of tanginess.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
There are many reasons I’m excited to share this recipe with you, and here are a few:
1. Quick and Easy: This is not a recipe that requires hours in the kitchen. You can whip it up in less than an hour.
2. Flavor Explosion: Imagine taking a bite and being greeted by a sweet-and-savory party in your mouth. Pineapple and chicken were clearly made for each other.
3. Family Friendly: This dish appeals to both children and adults. Who can resist the sweet taste of pineapple?
4. Meal Prep Winner: The leftovers, if there are any, taste even better the next day! Perfect for lunch at work.
5. Versatile: You can easily modify the recipe. Want to add more veggies? Go for it. Prefer tofu? That works too.
The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed dish:
- 3 pounds mixed chicken parts (breasts, thighs, wings, drumsticks)
- 1 can crushed pineapple, drained slightly
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ⅓ cup tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch powder
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
Directions
Now, let’s break down how to make this dish in easy-to-follow steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, you want to ensure your chicken is in manageable pieces. If you’re using whole chicken parts, pat them dry with a paper towel to get them nice and crispy when they cook.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. After it’s melted, add the grated ginger and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Stir in the pineapple (make sure it’s drained), ketchup, brown sugar, salt, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring this to a simmer, then mix in cornstarch to thicken. Keep stirring until it’s well combined.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or grill pan, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces and sear them until golden brown on both sides. About 5-7 minutes per side should do it.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is browned, lower the heat and pour the pineapple sauce over the chicken pieces.
Cover the skillet and let it simmer for around 20 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb all those sweet and tangy flavors thoroughly.
Step 5: Add Green Onions
After the 20 minutes, remove the lid and sprinkle in the green onions for some added color and flavor. Give it a quick stir and let it cook for another 5 minutes without the lid.
Notes
Here are a few tips to make this dish even better:
- Choose Quality Chicken: Fresh, quality chicken will enhance the final dish. Look for organic or free-range options if possible.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Letting the chicken simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Experiment with Pineapples: Fresh pineapple can be used if you prefer not to use canned. Just toss in some chunks at the same stage.
- Add Spice: If you like heat, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or some fresh chilies for a kick.
- Serve with a Garnish: A sprinkle of sesame seeds can add a nice touch when serving.
Storage Tips
Leftovers are great! Store any extra chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it from drying out.
Nutrition Information
Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Recipe Nutrition Facts
Serving Suggestions
Thinking about how to serve this delightful dish? Here are some ideas:
- Serve Over Rice: A classic pairing and a perfect base for soaking up that sauce.
- As Tacos: Use tortillas and top with fresh avocado for a fun twist.
- On a Salad: Toss with greens and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing option.
- With Noodles: Serve over rice noodles for a quick fusion meal.
- As Skewers: Thread the chicken on skewers with some peppers and onions for grilling.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken?
Got a few items missing? No problem. Here are alternatives you might consider:
- Pineapple Juice: If you don’t have crushed pineapple, substitute it with fresh pineapple juice. Just cut back on added sugar since the juice is naturally sweet.
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. They hold up well in this dish.
- Honey: Swap the brown sugar for honey to enhance the dish’s sweetness naturally.
- Rice Vinegar: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar can offer a slightly different but pleasant tang.
- Tamari or Coconut Aminos: For a gluten-free option instead of soy sauce, either of these works well.
Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 3 pounds mixed chicken parts breasts, thighs, wings, drumsticks
- 1 can crushed pineapple drained slightly
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ⅓ cup tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch powder
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- First, you want to ensure your chicken is in manageable pieces. If you’re using whole chicken parts, pat them dry with a paper towel to get them nice and crispy when they cook.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. After it’s melted, add the grated ginger and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the pineapple (make sure it’s drained), ketchup, brown sugar, salt, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring this to a simmer, then mix in cornstarch to thicken. Keep stirring until it’s well combined.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet or grill pan, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces and sear them until golden brown on both sides. About 5-7 minutes per side should do it.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Once the chicken is browned, lower the heat and pour the pineapple sauce over the chicken pieces.
- Cover the skillet and let it simmer for around 20 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb all those sweet and tangy flavors thoroughly.
Step 5: Add Green Onions
- After the 20 minutes, remove the lid and sprinkle in the green onions for some added color and flavor. Give it a quick stir and let it cook for another 5 minutes without the lid.
Notes
- Choose Quality Chicken: Fresh, quality chicken will enhance the final dish. Look for organic or free-range options if possible.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Letting the chicken simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Experiment with Pineapples: Fresh pineapple can be used if you prefer not to use canned. Just toss in some chunks at the same stage.
- Add Spice: If you like heat, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or some fresh chilies for a kick.
- Serve with a Garnish: A sprinkle of sesame seeds can add a nice touch when serving.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge. Reheat when you’re ready to serve.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your ketchup is gluten-free.
3. What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Once cooled, place the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw and heat before serving.
5. Do I need fresh ginger?
While fresh ginger adds the best flavor, you can substitute ground ginger in a pinch—just use about 1/4 teaspoon for every teaspoon of fresh.
6. Can I use different types of chicken?
Yes! Feel free to mix it up with chicken breasts, thighs, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Conclusion
Creating a plate of Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken can feel like a mini vacation, right from your kitchen.
With its balanced flavors and simple preparation, it’s an excellent option for busy weeknights or even special occasions. The sweet, savory sauce and tender chicken make it a dish everyone will rave about.
So why not give it a try? Grab your ingredients, follow my steps, and taste that tropical goodness. Your taste buds—and your family—will thank you. Happy cooking!
