The Best Homemade Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Get ready for a burst of Hawaiian flavors that will make your taste buds dance! This recipe is super easy to follow, and you’ll love how it turns your kitchen into a tropical paradise. You’ll be amazed by how juicy and tender the chicken becomes, soaking up all the sweet and tangy marinade. Plus, the dish is versatile—perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings with friends. And the best part? You can customize it with your favorite veggies or sides to make it your own.

Recipe

Hawaaian Chicken is a sweet and savory dish that combines tender chicken with tropical flavors like pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a summer barbecue.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
3. Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for the sauce.
4. Grill or cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
5. While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the simmering marinade until thickened.
7. Stir in pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Serve the chicken topped with the pineapple sauce and garnished with sliced green onions.

Notes:

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Equipment:

Grill or skillet, mixing bowls, saucepan, whisk, measuring cups and spoons.

Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time).

Cuisine:

Hawaiian-inspired.

Serving:

Serves 4.

Nutrition

Calories: 320 per serving

Protein: 28g

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my homemade Hawaiian chicken with sides that complement its tropical flavors, like coconut rice or a fresh pineapple salad. For drinks, I usually go for something invigorating, like iced tea with a splash of lime or even a fruity mocktail. It’s fun to mix and match until I find the perfect combination that suits the meal.

Side Dish Pairings

When you’re serving up tender, sweet-and-savory Hawaiian chicken, you’ll want sides that balance its bold flavors without stealing the spotlight. I love pairing it with coconut rice—it’s creamy and complements the tropical vibe perfectly. Grilled pineapple slices add a caramelized sweetness that ties everything together. A simple cucumber salad with a tangy dressing cuts through the richness, while garlic butter roasted veggies bring earthy notes to the plate. Steamed broccoli or green beans keep it light and fresh. For a hearty option, cheesy mashed potatoes work wonders. These sides make the meal complete without overpowering the star dish.

Beverage Options

To round out your Hawaiian chicken meal, picking the right drink can really tie everything together. For a tropical vibe, I love serving pineapple juice or a fruity iced tea—they’re invigorating and complement the sweet, tangy flavors of the dish. If you’re feeling fancy, a coconut water or a mocktail with lime and mint feels extra special. For something fizzy, ginger ale or a citrus soda hits the spot. If you’re into cocktails, a mai tai or piña colada brings the island spirit. Honestly, even a glass of chilled white wine works wonders. Whatever you choose, it’ll make the meal feel complete!

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younes

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