Welcome to a world of flavors with this Hawaiian Chicken recipe. It's an easy and delicious dinner that will transport your taste buds to the tropical islands of Hawaii right from your kitchen. This dish has a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that make every bite exciting.
Chicken, bell peppers, and pineapples are cooked in a finger-licking sauce made of soy, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Served over warm rice, this Hawaiian Chicken is comfort food at its finest, and it's perfect for a family dinner or even a festive party.
Why This Recipe Works
There's a myriad of reasons why this Hawaiian Chicken recipe works so well. Firstly, the ingredients are simple and readily available. You'll find everything from chicken, bell peppers, pineapple to common pantry items such as soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. This ease of accessibility makes the recipe less intimidating and more feasible for home cooks of any level.
Furthermore, this recipe is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The chicken is tender and savory, the bell peppers add a crunch, and the pineapple brings a sweet and tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the dish. The sauce is a delectable mix of sweet, salty, and spicy elements that perfectly coat the chicken and vegetables. It all comes together to create a mouth-watering dish that's bursting with flavor. The best part? It's a one-pan recipe, making cleanup a breeze. With its easy steps, versatile ingredients, and delicious outcomes, it's no wonder why this Hawaiian Chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts - Around 4 large pieces. Chicken breasts are lean, rich in protein and cook quickly. If you don't have chicken breasts, you can substitute with boneless chicken thighs.
Pineapple - A medium-sized pineapple. Pineapple lends a wonderful sweet and tart flavor to this dish. Canned pineapple chunks can be used as a substitute, just be sure to drain them before use.
Soy Sauce - About half a cup. Soy sauce gives the dish its savory, umami quality. If you're watching your sodium intake, opt for a low-sodium variety or use tamari if you need a gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar - Half a cup should do. Brown sugar adds a delightful sweetness and aids in caramelization. If you're out of brown sugar, you can substitute with honey or regular white sugar.
Ginger - A tablespoon of fresh ginger. This brings a bit of warmth and a spicy note to the dish. Ground ginger can be used as a substitute if fresh isn't available, just use it sparingly as it can be quite potent.
Tips
- Make sure the chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking. If they're not, pound them to even thickness.
- You can marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- If using canned pineapple, save the juice to add to the sauce for more pineapple flavor.
- Brown sugar can be adjusted according to taste. Add more if you like it sweeter.
- Don't overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.
How to Serve
Hawaiian chicken is versatile and can be served in various ways. At its heart, it's a comforting, sweet and savory dish that pairs well with many different side dishes. The juicy chicken and bright, tropical pineapple make for a beautiful presentation that's sure to impress.
- Serve it over a bed of steamed rice to make it a complete meal. The rice will absorb the wonderful flavors of the sauce.
- For a healthier option, serve the Hawaiian chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Try it in a Hawaiian Chicken wrap! Take a tortilla, add some lettuce, the chicken, pineapple, and perhaps some cheese and then roll it up. It makes a great lunch option.
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Hawaiian Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 1 medium pineapple cut into chunks
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger to make the sauce.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they're coated with the sauce.
- Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Heat a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook each side for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Add the pineapple chunks to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the chicken and pineapple with some extra sauce from the pan drizzled over top.
Nutrition
Notes
- Make sure the chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking. If they're not, pound them to even thickness.
- You can marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- If using canned pineapple, save the juice to add to the sauce for more pineapple flavor.
- Brown sugar can be adjusted according to taste. Add more if you like it sweeter.
- Don't overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.