Hawaiian Chicken: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Hawaiian Chicken: Just the name conjures up images of sun-drenched beaches, swaying palm trees, and the sweet, tangy aroma of a tropical feast, doesn't it? But you don't need a plane ticket to Honolulu to experience this vibrant flavor explosion! Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy, perfectly cooked chicken, glazed with a luscious sauce that balances the sweetness of pineapple with the savory depth of soy sauce and ginger. It's a culinary vacation for your taste buds, right in your own kitchen!

While not strictly a traditional Hawaiian dish, Hawaiian Chicken draws inspiration from the islands' love of fresh, tropical ingredients and Asian-influenced flavors. The fusion of sweet and savory is a hallmark of Hawaiian cuisine, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped its culinary identity. This particular dish gained popularity as a delicious and accessible way to bring those exotic flavors into mainland homes.

People adore this recipe for so many reasons! First and foremost, the taste is simply irresistible. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory creates a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. Secondly, it's incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or even in tacos for a fun twist. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour. So, are you ready to bring a little bit of paradise to your dinner table? Let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• For the Hawaiian Sauce:
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• For the Vegetables:
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
• 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned (drained)
• For Serving (Optional):
• Cooked white rice or brown rice
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken Coating: In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This mixture will help the chicken get nice and crispy when we cook it.
2. Coat the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the cornstarch mixture. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered! This is key for that perfect texture.

Making the Hawaiian Sauce:

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a separate medium saucepan, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, white vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid any lumps.
2. Cook the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly. Once it simmers, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be able to coat the back of a spoon. Keep stirring to prevent it from sticking and burning!
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar. If you want it tangier, add a splash more vinegar. If you like it saltier, add a dash more soy sauce. This is your chance to make it perfect for your taste!

Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables:

1. Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before adding the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the coated chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and steam the chicken instead of browning it. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on all sides. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Add the Vegetables: Once the chicken is cooked, add the bell peppers and red onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to still have a little bite to them!
4. Add the Pineapple: Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet and stir-fry for another minute or two, just until they are heated through.

Combining and Serving:

1. Combine Sauce and Chicken/Vegetables: Pour the Hawaiian sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
2. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
3. Serve: Serve the Hawaiian chicken hot over cooked white rice or brown rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist during cooking. Just make sure to trim any excess fat before cubing them.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix, such as broccoli florets, snap peas, or carrots. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Spicy Hawaiian Chicken: If you like a little more heat, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add a tablespoon of sriracha sauce for an extra kick.
• Pineapple Juice Substitute: If you don't have pineapple juice, you can use apple juice or orange juice as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the Hawaiian sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before adding it to the chicken and vegetables.
• Slow Cooker Option: For a hands-off approach, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients (except the cornstarch slurry) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. In the last 30 minutes, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
• Grilling Option: For a smoky flavor, you can grill the chicken and vegetables. Marinate the chicken in the Hawaiian sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto skewers and grill over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a complete meal.
• Add a scoop of coconut rice for an extra tropical touch.
• Serve with a side of egg rolls or spring rolls for an Asian-inspired feast.
• Use the Hawaiian chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps or tacos.
• Top with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for added flavor and texture.

Storage Instructions:

• Store leftover Hawaiian chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
• You can also freeze Hawaiian chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Enjoy your homemade Hawaiian Chicken! I hope you find this recipe easy to follow and delicious. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or suggestions. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Hawaiian Chicken recipe is truly a must-try for anyone craving a taste of the tropics right in their own kitchen. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and tender chicken creates a flavor explosion that's both satisfying and incredibly easy to make. I promise, even if you're a beginner cook, you can absolutely nail this dish. It's the perfect weeknight meal, but also impressive enough to serve to guests. What makes this recipe so special, in my opinion, is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs. For example, if you're watching your sodium intake, you can use low-sodium soy sauce. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade. And for those who love a little extra sweetness, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup can take it to the next level.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless! I personally love serving this Hawaiian Chicken over fluffy white rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It's also fantastic with quinoa or brown rice for a healthier option. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed broccoli, grilled asparagus, or a vibrant coleslaw. But don't stop there! This chicken is also amazing in other dishes. Try shredding it and using it as a filling for tacos or quesadillas. It's also delicious in salads, sandwiches, or even as a topping for pizza. You could even skewer the marinated chicken and grill it for a fun and flavorful appetizer. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, you can easily substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Just be sure to press the tofu well to remove excess water before marinating it. You can also add other vegetables to the marinade, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. Another variation I've experimented with is adding a touch of ginger to the marinade. It adds a warm and aromatic note that complements the other flavors beautifully. You can also try using different types of fruit, such as mango or peaches, instead of pineapple.

Give it a Try and Share Your Experience!

I'm so confident that you'll love this Hawaiian Chicken recipe. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's both delicious and easy to make. So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I'm really excited to hear about your experience with this recipe. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I love seeing your creations and hearing your feedback. Your comments not only help me improve the recipe but also inspire other readers to try it out. I truly believe that cooking should be fun and enjoyable. And this recipe is a perfect example of how you can create a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So, don't be afraid to experiment, get creative, and most importantly, have fun! Happy cooking! I can't wait to hear all about your Hawaiian Chicken adventures!

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Hawaiian Chicken: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Sweet and savory chicken with pineapple, bell peppers, and a tangy sauce, perfect over rice.

Prep Time15

Cook Time25 minutes

Total Time35

Category: Dinner

Yield: 6 servings

Save This Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons ketchup 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons water Cooked rice, for serving Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

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1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, pineapple, green bell pepper, and onion.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, and garlic powder.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture and stir to coat.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
7. Serve over rice.

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Notes

• Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking, depending on how sweet you want the sauce.
• For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Serve with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.