Hawaiian Chicken : Savory Magic in 30 Minutes!

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If there’s one thing I firmly believe, it’s that life’s too short for boring chicken dinners—and Hawaiian Chicken swoops in like a tropical breeze to save the day!

Whether you’re juggling work, kiddos, or just craving a mini vacation on a Tuesday night, this Hawaiian Chicken recipe is your golden ticket. Juicy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet pineapple chunks all get tossed in a glossy, tangy sauce that’ll have you humming aloha with every bite.

Let’s dive in and bring a taste of the islands straight to your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Chicken

Ready in 30 minutes. Because we all deserve delicious without the chaos.
Sweet, savory, and a little spicy. The perfect balance of flavors for picky eaters and adventurous ones.
One pan wonder. Less mess = more time for you (and maybe that glass of wine waiting on the counter).
Totally customizable. Swap veggies, adjust spice levels—this dish is as flexible as your favorite yoga instructor.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need for this vibrant Hawaiian Chicken recipe:

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 red bell pepper, diced
15 oz pineapple chunks, juice and fruit separated
⅓ cup chicken broth
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional—but I love the kick!)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sesame seeds, for topping
Green onion, for topping

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up the Sauce

In a bowl, stir together:

About 1 cup pineapple juice (from the can)
⅓ cup chicken broth
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Minced garlic
Fresh grated ginger
Red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy!

Set this tropical magic aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil.

Toss in your chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sear for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nearly cooked through.

Step 3: Add Color and Sweetness

Add diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.

Then toss in the pineapple chunks. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. Your kitchen should already smell like a Hawaiian vacation!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour in your sauce mixture. Stir to coat everything nicely. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld.

Meanwhile, stir 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry. Gradually add it into the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens to a gorgeous, glossy consistency. Cook a couple more minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onion for that extra flair.

Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles—whatever floats your boat!

Aneta’s Cooking Tips for Hawaiian Chicken

Spice Level: Love heat? Feel free to crank up those red pepper flakes! Not into spice? Leave them out and keep things mellow.
Veggie Swap: Don’t have red peppers? Broccoli, snap peas, or even zucchini are tasty swaps.
Thicker Sauce: Add a touch more cornstarch slurry if you like a stickier glaze.
Picky Eaters Approved: My kids gobble this up because the pineapple makes everything taste sweet and delicious!

Fun fact: I discovered this Hawaiian Chicken recipe when my family begged me for “something different” on one of those weeks when I was basically living in my kitchen. Now it’s my go-to for when I want smiles around the dinner table—and fewer dishes to wash!

Close-up of Hawaiian Chicken with tender chicken pieces, pineapple, red peppers, and sesame seeds in a glossy sauce being stirred with a wooden spoon. — Savor every bite of this Hawaiian Chicken loaded with pineapple, peppers, and a sweet-savory sauce for an irresistible tropical dinner.

FAQs About Hawaiian Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and work beautifully in this Hawaiian Chicken recipe. Just adjust the cook time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

How do I store leftovers?

Pop leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I make Hawaiian Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Cook it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. The flavors get even better the next day. Just reheat before serving.

Bring a Taste of Paradise Home

If your week’s been hectic or you’re just longing for a dinner that’s equal parts easy and exciting, Hawaiian Chicken is your answer. It’s bright, delicious, and sure to become a favorite in your kitchen—just like it is in mine.

So grab that skillet, channel a little island spirit, and treat yourself to a dinner that’ll transport you straight to the beaches of Hawaii.

Happy cooking, friends—and remember, life’s always better with a little chicken magic!

Discover More Delicious Chicken Magic!

If you’re craving even more tropical vibes or flavorful chicken creations after making this Hawaiian Chicken, here are some tasty ideas to keep your kitchen adventure going:

For another island-inspired dinner, check out my juicy and slightly smoky Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken — it’s perfect for summer grilling sessions or when you simply need a taste of the tropics.
Want something with sweet fruit flavors but a stir-fry twist? You’ll love my Mango Chicken Stir Fry that’s bursting with color and freshness.
Explore even bolder flavors with the sweet heat of Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa — another fabulous way to bring a tropical vacation right to your dinner plate.
Or for a fun family-friendly dinner, give my Rotisserie Chicken Hawaiian Sliders a try — they’re sweet, savory, and perfect for parties or casual weeknights.

These delicious recipes will help you keep the island spirit alive, one chicken dish at a time. Aloha, friends!