Hawaiian Chicken is the ultimate blend of sweet and savory, with tender chicken smothered in a rich pineapple-based sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or even weeknight meals.
What is Hawaiian Chicken?
Hawaiian Chicken typically combines juicy chicken (thighs, breasts, or drumsticks) with a tangy-sweet glaze made of pineapple, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Often paired with bell peppers and onions for added crunch and color, this dish is reminiscent of Hawaiian flavors that celebrate fresh, tropical ingredients.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Hawaiian Chicken
- Use Fresh Pineapple: While canned works in a pinch, fresh pineapple adds vibrant flavor and texture.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: Marinate the chicken in the sauce for 1-2 hours before cooking to enhance its flavor.
- Cook Evenly: Pound the chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Variations
- Grilled Hawaiian Chicken: Grill the marinated chicken for smoky flavor and charred edges.
- Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs: Thread chicken, pineapple, and bell peppers onto skewers for a fun presentation.
- Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Hawaiian Chicken Tacos: Use shredded Hawaiian Chicken as a taco filling topped with slaw and cilantro.
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken
- With Rice: Serve over steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- With Noodles: Toss with lo mein or rice noodles for a tropical noodle dish.
- On a Bed of Greens: Pair with a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
How to Store and Reheat Hawaiian Chicken
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work just as well. Just be mindful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.
Is fresh pineapple better than canned?
Fresh pineapple provides better texture and flavor, but canned pineapple is a convenient substitute.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Hawaiian Chicken reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
Hawaiian Chicken
Hawaiian Chicken is the ultimate blend of sweet and savory, with tender chicken smothered in a rich pineapple-based sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or even weeknight meals.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ cup light coconut milk
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup pineapple slices (fresh or canned)
For the Coconut Rice:
- 1 cup short-grain white rice
- 1 ¼ cup light coconut milk
- ½ cup water
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- Optional: cilantro leaves and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
For the Chicken:
- Mix soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, coconut milk, and pineapple juice in a container or resealable bag.
- Add chicken and marinate for 2-24 hours.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Toss pineapple slices on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side to caramelize their natural sweetness.
- Arrange grilled chicken and pineapple slices on a serving dish.
For the Coconut Rice:
- Bring coconut milk and water to a boil, then stir in salt and rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes.
- Mix in the brown sugar once the rice is tender.
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 510Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 208mgSodium: 1698mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 2gSugar: 19gProtein: 46g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Chicken is a flavorful, versatile dish that brings the tropics to your table. With its tender chicken, sweet-and-savory sauce, and endless customization options, it’s destined to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just to switch up your weeknight dinner, Hawaiian Chicken never disappoints.
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