Description
Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Meal: Tender chicken cooked in a savory pineapple sauce with hints of soy and ginger – a crowd-pleasing, tropical delight!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1½ cups (350g) fresh pineapple chunks (or canned in 100% juice, drained)
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) vegetable oil, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup (120ml) pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup (80ml) soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the sauce In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Set this mixture aside. The sauce is the heart of your Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Meal, so make sure all ingredients are well incorporated for a smooth, flavorful result.
- Step 2: Cook the chicken Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté the vegetables In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped red and green bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but still maintain some crispness. The colorful peppers will add a wonderful texture contrast to your Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Meal.
- Step 4: Combine and finish Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and add the pineapple chunks. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. The pineapple will release additional sweetness as it warms through, enhancing the tropical flavor profile of your Hawaiian chicken.
- Step 5: Serve and garnish Remove from heat and let the Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Meal rest for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve over steamed rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. The short resting period allows the sauce to settle and thicken slightly, creating the perfect coating for the chicken and vegetables.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg