If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, Hawaiian Chicken is your answer. This dish perfectly blends the tropical sweetness of pineapple with savory chicken and a sticky, tangy sauce that’ll keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking a casual family dinner or impressing guests with something exotic yet easy to make, this Hawaiian Chicken recipe delivers a beautiful balance of taste and texture.
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from ingredients to cooking tips, variations, and even frequently asked questions. Ready to make your kitchen smell like a tropical paradise? Let’s dive in.
What Makes Hawaiian Chicken So Special?
Before jumping into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes Hawaiian Chicken stand out. The star here is the harmonious combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The pineapple chunks add a juicy sweetness that contrasts delightfully with the salty soy sauce and the subtle acidity from vinegar. This is all tied together with tender chicken pieces sautéed to golden perfection and colorful bell peppers adding a fresh crunch.
This dish is a celebration of Hawaiian-inspired flavors and is easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for weekend dinners.
Ingredients for the Perfect Hawaiian Chicken
The magic starts with quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
For the Chicken and Veggies:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks — thighs are juicier, but breasts work well too
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped — adds sweetness and color
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped — balances with slight bitterness
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained) — the tropical star
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice — you can use juice from the canned pineapple or fresh
- 1/3 cup soy sauce — provides umami and saltiness
- 1/4 cup brown sugar — adds depth and sweetness
- 2 tablespoons ketchup — tang and richness
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar — acidity to balance sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — aromatic flavor booster
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry) — thickens the sauce perfectly

Step-by-Step Instructions for Hawaiian Chicken
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Hawaiian Chicken:
1. Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken chunks generously with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and sauté until each piece is browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they brown nicely. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped red and green bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes until they soften slightly but still retain a bit of crunch. Then stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2 minutes to warm them through and release their sweetness.
3. Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and minced garlic. Pour this flavorful mixture into the skillet with the peppers and pineapple. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Thicken the Sauce
Slowly add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet while stirring. Continue to simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens into a glossy, sticky glaze.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything well so each piece of chicken and vegetable is coated with that luscious, sweet-savory sauce.
6. Serve and Garnish
Serve your Hawaiian Chicken hot over steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up all that sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and presentation.
Why This Hawaiian Chicken Recipe Works Every Time
You might wonder why this recipe is so reliably delicious. Here’s the secret: It balances the key flavor profiles masterfully.
- Sweetness: The brown sugar and pineapple provide a tropical, caramelized sweetness without being overpowering.
- Savory: Soy sauce and garlic bring umami and depth.
- Tangy: Vinegar and ketchup offer a slight acidity that cuts through the richness.
- Texture: Tender chicken contrasts with crisp peppers and juicy pineapple.
This balance makes it perfect for anyone who loves vibrant, crowd-pleasing dishes.
Tips for Making the Best Hawaiian Chicken
To elevate your Hawaiian Chicken even further, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use chicken thighs if you want juicier, more flavorful meat. They hold up better to cooking and absorb sauce beautifully.
- Don’t skip draining canned pineapple — excess juice can make the dish watery.
- Adjust sweetness or saltiness by tasting the sauce before thickening. Add more brown sugar for sweet or soy sauce for salt.
- For extra heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños.
- Serve with jasmine or coconut rice for a more authentic island feel.
Variations of Hawaiian Chicken to Try
This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to experiment:
- Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken: Brown chicken first, then add all ingredients (except cornstarch) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, then thicken sauce last.
- Grilled Hawaiian Chicken: Marinate chicken chunks in the sauce, then skewer and grill. Serve with fresh pineapple salsa.
- Hawaiian Chicken Stir Fry: Add snap peas, carrots, or onions for a veggie-packed version.
- Hawaiian Chicken Salad: Use cooked chicken, pineapple, and bell peppers atop greens with a drizzle of sauce as dressing.
Nutritional Benefits of Hawaiian Chicken
Besides tasting amazing, Hawaiian Chicken offers several nutritional perks:
- Lean protein from chicken helps muscle repair and keeps you full longer.
- Bell peppers provide vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
- Pineapple contains bromelain, which aids digestion and reduces inflammation.
- Using olive oil adds heart-healthy fats instead of saturated fats from other cooking oils.
Making this recipe at home means controlling the ingredients, keeping it healthier than many restaurant versions laden with sodium or processed additives.
Serving Suggestions for Hawaiian Chicken
Wondering what sides pair perfectly with your Hawaiian Chicken? Here are some delicious ideas:
- Steamed jasmine or coconut rice to soak up the sauce.
- Garlic fried rice for extra flavor.
- Quinoa or brown rice for a whole-grain twist.
- Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or snap peas.
- Fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the sweet-savory flavors.
- Egg rolls or potstickers for an island-inspired Asian fusion meal.
Hawaiian Chicken: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use frozen pineapple chunks for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding to avoid a watery sauce.
Q2: What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are best for juiciness, but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat.
Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check any ketchup or vinegar for gluten ingredients.
Q4: How do I store leftover Hawaiian Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Q5: Can I prepare Hawaiian Chicken ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and chop veggies ahead, but cook chicken fresh for best texture. Alternatively, cook everything and reheat.
Q6: Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Onions, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms all pair well with this dish.
Q7: What can I use instead of cornstarch?
You can substitute with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch for thickening the sauce.
Conclusion
In summary, Hawaiian Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that combines the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with tender chicken and colorful veggies. This recipe is not only crowd-pleasing but also versatile, allowing you to tweak ingredients and cooking methods to suit your tastes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this Hawaiian Chicken recipe will bring a taste of the islands right to your table.
With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and endless customization options, you’re guaranteed a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a tropical feast that’s bursting with flavor and comfort.
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Hawaiian Chicken Recipe: The Ultimate Sweet and Savory Tropical Delight
Ingredients
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1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
-
1 green bell pepper, chopped
-
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
For the Sauce:
-
1/2 cup pineapple juice
-
1/3 cup soy sauce
-
1/4 cup brown sugar
-
2 tablespoons ketchup
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Instructions
Cook Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Veggies:
In the same skillet, add bell peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
Stir in pineapple chunks and cook for another 2 minutes.
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and garlic. Pour sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Combine:
Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the sticky, sweet-savory sauce.
Serve:
Serve over steamed rice and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a tropical, comforting meal