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hawaiian chicken

hawaiian chicken

This Hawaiian Chicken is a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors with juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a sticky glaze. It's a tropical dish that pairs perfectly with rice and makes for a refreshing, flavorful meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Hawaiian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 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!
Keyword hawaiian chicken