Hawaiian chicken is sweet, savory, and full of tropical flavor. It’s made with juicy chicken, pineapple, and a tasty glaze that’s easy to make. Perfect for weeknights or whenever you want something simple and satisfying.
Why We Love This
There’s something about Hawaiian chicken that instantly lifts your mood. Maybe it’s the sweet pineapple glaze or the way the tender chicken soaks up all that tropical flavor. Either way, this dish brings a warm, sunny vibe to your table—no matter the season.
What makes it even better? It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and always a hit with family or guests. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Perfect for meal prep – Make ahead and reheat beautifully.
Balanced sweet and savory flavors – Think pineapple juice, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar.
Quick prep – Minimal chopping and easy steps make this ideal for busy days.
Versatile – Great with rice, grilled veggies, or tucked into wraps.
Crowd-pleaser – Kids and adults both love the juicy, glazed chicken.
Ingredients
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs (thighs are juicier).
Pineapple: Fresh for sweetness, but canned works too.
Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth.
Honey: Sweetens the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic for flavor.
Ginger: Fresh for a zesty kick.
Brown Sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the sauce.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken.
Cornstarch: Thicken the sauce.
Green Onions: For freshness and garnish.
Sesame Seeds: Optional, for crunch.
Instructions
Ready to make this Hawaiian chicken? It’s simple, flavorful, and comes together in no time. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
Prepare the marinade: Mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Set aside ¼ cup for later as a glaze.
Marinate the chicken: Place chicken in a dish or bag, pour marinade over, seal, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Make the glaze: Simmer the reserved marinade in a saucepan. Add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
Cook the chicken through: Reduce heat and pour the glaze over the chicken. Add pineapple chunks and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F.
Serve: Serve over rice and top with extra glaze and pineapple mixture. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
To take your Hawaiian chicken to the next level, here are some expert tips that will elevate the dish and help you avoid common mistakes. These small adjustments can make a big difference in flavor and texture!
Don’t skip the marinade
The marinade is the secret to tender, flavorful chicken. Give it enough time to work its magic—30 minutes is good, but marinating for 1-2 hours will deepen the flavor. If you’re short on time, even a quick 10-15 minute soak will give you great results.
Sear, don’t overcrowd
When you sear the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you pile too much chicken in, it will steam instead of sear, preventing that delicious golden-brown crust. Cook in batches if necessary to get that perfect sear.
Use chicken thighs for juiciness
Chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe because they’re more forgiving than breasts. They stay juicy even when cooked through, and they absorb the marinade beautifully. If you must use chicken breasts, just be sure to watch them carefully to avoid dryness.
Make the glaze thick and sticky
The cornstarch slurry is your friend here—it’s what turns the marinade into a thick, glossy glaze. Be sure to stir frequently as it simmers. If the glaze gets too thick, simply add a splash of water to adjust it to your desired consistency.
Customize the sweetness
If you love a sweeter glaze, feel free to add a little extra brown sugar or honey. Just keep in mind that the sweetness should balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and the tartness of the pineapple juice.
Add a little heat (optional)
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze or some diced jalapeños to the skillet while cooking. The heat will complement the sweetness beautifully.
Garnish with fresh herbs
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions can brighten the dish and add a pop of color. It’s the perfect finishing touch to make your Hawaiian chicken feel extra special.
Variations
While the classic Hawaiian chicken recipe is undeniably delicious, there are plenty of ways to mix things up depending on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations you can try to make this dish even more exciting!
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
If you’re craving that smoky char, take your chicken to the grill! Marinate the chicken as usual, then grill the thighs over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The grill adds a unique depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet pineapple glaze.
Coconut-Crusted Hawaiian Chicken
For a tropical twist, try adding some shredded coconut to the mix. After marinating the chicken, coat it with a light layer of panko breadcrumbs mixed with shredded coconut. Then, sear it in the pan or bake it in the oven for a crispy, coconutty crunch. This adds an extra layer of texture to the dish that’s absolutely irresistible.
Hawaiian Chicken Bowl
Transform your Hawaiian chicken into a complete meal by serving it in a bowl with a base of brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Top with the pineapple and bell pepper, and drizzle the thickened glaze over the top. You can even add some avocado slices for creaminess and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added zest.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Hawaiian chicken is ready to serve, the possibilities for pairing and presentation are endless! Here are some delicious serving ideas that will elevate your dish and turn it into a complete, satisfying meal.
Serve over rice
A classic option, steamed white rice or brown rice provides the perfect base for soaking up the flavorful pineapple glaze. The tender chicken combined with the juicy pineapple and savory sauce makes each bite even more delightful. For a little extra flavor, try adding a touch of coconut milk to the rice as it cooks!
Pair with roasted vegetables
Balance the sweetness of the chicken with some savory, roasted vegetables. Carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and sweet potatoes all roast beautifully and complement the tropical flavors in the chicken. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, adding depth and texture to the meal.
Top with a fresh salad
A light, crisp salad is a great contrast to the richness of the Hawaiian chicken. Toss together mixed greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing. The fresh, crisp salad adds a refreshing element to the dish and keeps the meal balanced.
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FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes! While chicken thighs offer more flavor and tenderness, you can easily substitute chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as breasts may cook faster than thighs. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. After cooking, you can store the Hawaiian chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, just warm it in a skillet or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
How do I thicken the glaze?
If you prefer a thicker glaze for your Hawaiian chicken, simply simmer it for a few extra minutes on the stove. The sauce will naturally reduce and thicken. For an even quicker method, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the glaze, letting it cook for a couple of minutes until it thickens.
Can I make this dish without pineapple?
While pineapple is a key ingredient that gives the dish its signature tropical sweetness, you can substitute it with other fruits. Mango or papaya could work beautifully, adding a similar sweetness and vibrant color. Just keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile slightly, but the result will still be delicious.
Can I use a different protein for this recipe?
Yes! While chicken is the star of this recipe, you can switch it up with pork or tofu for a different twist. Pork tenderloin or pork chops would work wonderfully with the sweet and tangy glaze. For a plant-based version, tofu or tempeh can be marinated and cooked in the same way as the chicken, providing a tasty vegetarian alternative.
hawaiian chicken
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
Instructions
Prepare the marinade
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This mixture will be the base of your marinade and glaze, giving the chicken that signature sweet-savory flavor. Set aside about ¼ cup of the marinade to use as a glaze later.
Marinate the chicken
- Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag, then pour the marinade over the top. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavor it absorbs, but even a short soak will do wonders.
Sear the chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade in the dish) and sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. You want that beautiful color, so be sure not to crowd the pan.
Make the glaze
- While the chicken is cooking, take the reserved marinade and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then add it to the simmering sauce. Stir frequently until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy. This step will give you that irresistible sticky texture.
Cook the chicken through
- After searing the chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the thickened glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Add the pineapple chunks and sliced red bell pepper, cooking for another 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serve and enjoy
- Serve your Hawaiian chicken over steamed rice or with your favorite sides. Spoon the extra glaze and pineapple mixture over the top for even more flavor. Enjoy the tropical vibes in every bite!