If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with sweet and tangy flavors, Hawaiian chicken is the perfect choice. This vibrant meal combines tender chicken with juicy pineapple and a flavorful sauce that’s easy to whip up. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into how you make Hawaiian chicken step-by-step!
What Is Hawaiian Chicken?
Hawaiian chicken is a dish that blends savory and sweet elements, typically featuring chicken breast or thighs cooked with pineapple, bell peppers, and a sauce made from ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. The pineapple adds a tropical sweetness that balances the salty and tangy flavors, creating a mouthwatering combination.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of common ingredients to prepare a classic Hawaiian chicken:
– 1 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 teaspoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
– 1 cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
– ⅓ cup chicken broth
– ¼ cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and set this mixture aside. This sauce will be the heart of your dish, providing that signature sweet and savory flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nearly cooked through and has a nice golden color.
3. Add Vegetables and Pineapple
Add the diced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until it softens slightly. Then, stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Simmer with Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the chicken to finish cooking and the flavors to deepen.
5. Thicken the Sauce
Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet while stirring. Continue cooking for a couple more minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking. This step gives the dish a glossy, appetizing finish.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top before serving. Hawaiian chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Best Hawaiian Chicken
– Marinate for More Flavor: If you have extra time, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking. This boosts the flavor and tenderness.
– Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple chunks add a vibrant taste and texture, but canned works just fine in a pinch.
– Add Color: Feel free to mix in other bell pepper colors like yellow or orange to brighten up the dish.
– Adjust Sweetness and Heat: Tweak the amount of brown sugar and red pepper flakes to suit your taste buds.
Variations to Try
– Grilled Hawaiian Chicken: Marinate chicken breasts in the sauce, then grill over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Serve with grilled pineapple slices for extra tropical flair.
– Hawaiian Chicken Stir Fry: Quickly stir fry chicken with pineapple, bell peppers, and snap peas for a fast and healthy weeknight dinner.
– Coconut Milk Twist: Add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy, island-inspired flavor.
Hawaiian chicken is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can bring a taste of the islands to your dinner table any night of the week.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and aloha to delicious Hawaiian chicken!