Sizzling Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Recipe: Tropical Taste Magic

My kitchen adventure with this hawaiian pineapple chicken sparked unexpected culinary magic last weekend.

Sweet tropical notes dance through each succulent bite of tender meat.

Juicy chunks of golden fruit add refreshing brightness to an otherwise standard protein dish.

Regional spices blend seamlessly, creating layers of complex flavor profiles that surprise and delight.

Memories of island breezes whisper through this simple yet remarkable meal preparation.

Each ingredient tells a story of cultural connection and comfort.

Savor these vibrant flavors that promise to transport you beyond ordinary weeknight dinners.

What Makes Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Special

• Burst with sweet-tangy pineapple and savory chicken, creating a mouthwatering dish that transports taste buds to a Hawaiian paradise with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.
• Adaptable for picky eaters and sophisticated palates alike, this recipe works brilliantly for casual family dinners, potlucks, or impromptu gatherings where everyone wants something delightful.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing everything in a single pan, reducing dish washing and saving precious time after a long day of work or activities.

Ingredients to Gather for Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

• Chicken: A lean, tender meat that absorbs the sweet and tangy Hawaiian flavors, best with boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
• Pineapple Chunks: Sweet and juicy fruit that adds tropical brightness and natural tenderizing enzymes to the chicken.

• Pineapple Juice: Creates the base of the vibrant Hawaiian sauce with natural sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a rich, salty umami depth to the sauce, opt for low-sodium for better control.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle tangy balance to the sweet sauce.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add warmth and complexity to the dish.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall flavor.

• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken and create a glossy sauce texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for searing chicken to create golden brown exterior.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh garnishes that add color, texture, and nutty flavor.

Prep Guide for Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken

Massage chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Cook chicken until golden and crispy on all sides, roughly 5-7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Create Vibrant Sauce

• Pineapple juice
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Stir ingredients and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Merge Flavors

Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add fresh pineapple chunks. Lower heat to medium-low, letting everything bubble together for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Thicken Sauce Beautifully

Mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth blend. Pour into skillet and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until sauce transforms into a glossy, clingy coating.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. Serve over steamed white rice for a complete tropical meal that transports taste buds to Hawaiian paradise.

Chef Tips for the Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

• Optimize Chicken Browning: Pat chicken pieces dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and creates a delicious caramelized texture.
• Balance Sauce Flavors: Adjust the pineapple juice and soy sauce ratio to control sweetness and saltiness, tasting and tweaking as you cook for a personalized flavor profile.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly before adding to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce that evenly coats the chicken.
• Enhance Tropical Twist: Add a splash of fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten the flavors and give the dish a zesty, fresh kick that complements the sweet pineapple.
• Make It Diet-Friendly: Swap regular soy sauce for low-sodium version and use honey instead of brown sugar for a lighter, healthier alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.

Keeping Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Fresh Later

• Store leftover Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or bags. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Warm chicken over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add a splash of pineapple juice or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed to 165°F internal temperature.

Tasty Complements for Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

• Pair pineapple chicken with crisp sauvignon blanc, balancing the dish's sweet and tangy profile.
• Serve with coconut jasmine rice, which enhances the tropical Hawaiian essence and absorbs the rich sauce perfectly.
• Sprinkle fresh cilantro or mint leaves on top to add brightness and cut through the chicken's richness.
• Add toasted macadamia nuts as a garnish, providing a delightful nutty contrast to the tender chicken and smooth sauce.

Flavorful Variations on Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

• Low-Carb Hawaiian Chicken: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar for a keto-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Pineapple Delight: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using the same marinade and cooking method for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Island Feast: Use tamari sauce instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitivity.
• Spicy Tropical Remix: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the pineapple sauce for an extra kick of heat and complexity in flavor profile.

Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken brings tropical paradise to dinner tables with its sweet and tangy fusion of flavors. Juicy chicken pieces mingle with caramelized pineapple, creating a quick and irresistible meal that transports taste buds to island shores.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pineapple juice
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce
• 0.33 cup (80 grams) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken pieces by generously seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coating.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for optimal browning.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior through consistent turning, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate, reserving the flavorful skillet for sauce preparation.
5. Pour pineapple juice into the same skillet, combining with soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a vibrant, aromatic sauce.
6. Bring the liquid mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar and blend complex flavors.
7. Reintroduce browned chicken pieces into the simmering sauce, along with sweet pineapple chunks.
8. Reduce heat to medium-low, allowing chicken to absorb the tangy sauce and continue cooking for approximately 10 minutes.
9. Prepare cornstarch mixture and gradually incorporate into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
10. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until sauce transforms into a glossy, thick coating that clings perfectly to the chicken.
11. Finish the dish by sprinkling sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
12. Serve immediately over steamed rice, creating a complete and satisfying Hawaiian-inspired meal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken beforehand in pineapple juice for deeper flavor infusion and tenderizing effect.
• Use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned for brighter, more vibrant taste and natural sweetness.
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding more cornstarch slurry if you prefer thicker gravy or extra liquid for more sauce.
• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the tropical flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 358
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 883mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 115mg