Hawaiian Chicken
This quick and easy Hawaiian Chicken Dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re looking to make something the entire family will love, but that doesn’t take up a lot of time, energy, or ingredients.
Juicy chicken, pineapples, and bell peppers simmer to perfection in a delicious sweet, tangy, and savory sauce that will everyone reach for seconds.
Hawaiian Chicken Recipe Highlights
- FLAVORFUL – The combination of sweet pineapple, savory sauce, and succulent chicken makes this dish a flavor explosion. It’s sweet, a bit tangy, and savory.
- EASY TO PREPARE – With minimal prep and cook time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. And if you’re busy, you can always use your slow cooker for a quick set-it-and-forget-it meal.
- HEALTHY – This recipe is packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber, making it a wholesome meal option.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
CHICKEN BREASTS – The star of the recipe, providing lean protein. I used boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you could also use skinless chicken thighs.
PINEAPPLE – Adds a sweet and tangy kick to the dish. I used canned pineapple chunks. But you can also use fresh pineapple slices.
BELL PEPPERS – Offer a crunch and vitamin boost.
BROWN SUGAR – Balances the savory elements with sweetness.
SOY SAUCE – Infuses the dish with a delightful umami flavor.
KETCHUP – Enhances the tanginess of the dish.
GINGER – Imparts a warm and spicy zest.
GARLIC – Deepens the flavor profile with its pungent, savory notes.
How To Make An Easy Hawaiian Chicken
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Brown the chicken in a large skillet, then set it aside.
- Sauté bell peppers in the same pan, then add pineapple chunks.
- Mix in the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, and garlic.
- Return the chicken to the pan and simmer until the sauce thickens.
Recipe Success Tips
QUALITY CHICKEN – Opt for fresh, organic chicken for the best taste and texture.
CONTROL THE HEAT – Ensure not to overcook the chicken, keeping it juicy and tender.
DON’T RUSH – Allow the sauce to simmer properly, letting the flavors meld together.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR VEGGIES – Feel free to add or substitute with your favorite veggies for added nutrition and flavor.
GARNISH – I like to garnish the Hawaiian Chicken with a few sesame seeds and some chopped green onions. The later
Serving Suggestions
RICE – White, coconut rice, or brown rice complements the dish nicely. For a delicious twist, try our Mint Rice.
CAULIFLOWER RICE – This is a great side dish if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
BROCCOLI – Steamed or roasted broccoli pairs well with the dish.
More Chicken Dinner Recipes
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FREEZE – You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
REHEAT – Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
Chicken Parmesan – A comforting classic made easy!
Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole – One pot, tons of flavor.
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole – Hearty, creamy, and rich.
Chipotle Chicken Wrap – Spicy, smoky, and wrapped in goodness.
Paprika Chicken – Smoky and aromatic chicken dish for a delightful dinner.
Chicken Cacciatore – Rustic and hearty, perfect for a family meal.
Hawaiian Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts skinless, cubed
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks juice reserved
- 3 large bell peppers any colors, cut into chunks
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon ginger fresh, minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Heat the canola oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Then, set it aside.
- Sauté the chunks of bell peppers in the same pan until they begin to soften.
- While the peppers are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, red pepper flakes, minced ginger, and minced garlic in a separate bowl. Pour this mixture into the pan with the bell peppers.
- Add the drained pineapple chunks to the pan.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with the reserved pineapple juice until smooth. Add this mixture to the pan.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve the Hawaiian chicken over cooked rice.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.