Description
Hawaiian Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts or thighs cooked with tender pineapple chunks, vibrant bell peppers, and a flavorful honey-soy glaze. This tropical-inspired dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for a busy weeknight meal that brings a taste of the islands to your table.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- ½ red onion, sliced
Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken breasts or thighs evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor before cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables and Pineapple: In the same skillet, add the fresh pineapple chunks, chopped red and green bell peppers, and sliced red onion. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the pineapple becomes fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, ketchup, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until well combined.
- Add the Sauce to the Skillet: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the pineapple and vegetables. Stir well to combine. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry now and simmer until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce and vegetable mixture over the chicken. Let it simmer together for 3 to 4 minutes allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and the sauce to thicken further.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian Chicken hot over steamed rice. Optionally, garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Fresh pineapple is preferred for the best flavor and texture in this recipe.
- Using chicken thighs will result in a juicier and more flavorful dish.
- Leftover Hawaiian Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
