Are you craving a delicious, easy-to-make chicken dish that’s packed with sweet and savory tropical flavors? This Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a rich, sticky honey glaze.
Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep-friendly dish, or a crowd-pleasing recipe, this one checks all the boxes! Let’s explore how to make the best Hawaiian chicken recipe at home.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 35 minutes
Naturally Sweet & Savory – Made with honey, pineapple, and soy sauce
Perfect for Meal Prep – Reheats well and stays juicy
Better Than Takeout – Homemade, fresh ingredients, and healthier
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Hawaiian cuisine is famous for vibrant tropical flavors, and this dish delivers sweet, tangy, and umami goodness in every bite. The combination of pineapple, honey, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that coats the tender chicken perfectly.
Ingredients for the Best Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup soy sauce (use low sodium soy sauce for a healthier option)
- ¼ cup honey (for a natural sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (adds a mild tang)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (for authentic Hawaiian flavor)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
Thickening the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish & Serving:
- 4 pineapple slices (grilled for extra flavor)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step: How to Make Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken
Step1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
Pineapple juice
Soy sauce
Honey & brown sugar
Rice vinegar & sesame oil
Minced garlic & grated ginger
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Step2: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
- Pour half of the marinade over the chicken.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (2 hours recommended for more flavor).
Step3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard used marinade).
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step4: Cook the Glaze
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water mixture) and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step5: Caramelize the Pineapple
- Add pineapple slices to the skillet.
- Let them caramelize for 1-2 minutes per side.
Step6: Glaze & Serve
- Spoon the glossy sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish with chopped green onions & sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or grilled vegetables.
Pro Cooking Tips for the Best Hawaiian Chicken
Use fresh pineapple for a more natural sweetness.
Marinate overnight for extra juicy and flavorful chicken.
Grill the chicken for a smokier, charred taste.
Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
What to Serve with Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken?
Pair this delicious sweet and savory chicken with:
Steamed Jasmine Rice – Soaks up the delicious sauce.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad – A classic Hawaiian side.
Grilled Vegetables – Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions work great.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 8g
Sodium: 600mg
Sugar: 24g
Storage & Leftovers – How to Keep It Fresh
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts until warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, adding a splash of pineapple juice to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish in the oven?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes to caramelize the top.
2. Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, but fresh pineapple gives a better caramelized texture.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
4. What other proteins can I use?
Try shrimp, or tofu as delicious alternatives.
Related Recipes for Hawaiian Food Lovers
Looking for more easy meals? Try these:
-
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Caesar Chicken – Easy Chicken Dinner Recipe
-
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet – Best Dinner Recipe
Final Thoughts – A Taste of Hawaii at Home
This Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken is an irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors that transport your taste buds to paradise!
Try this authentic Hawaiian chicken recipe today, and let us know:
Did you love it?
Any personal twists?
What side dishes did you pair it with?
Enjoy and Aloha!
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Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken – Easy Dinner Recipe
Description
Are you craving a delicious, easy-to-make chicken dish that’s packed with sweet and savory tropical flavors? This Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a rich, sticky honey glaze.
Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep-friendly dish, or a crowd-pleasing recipe, this one checks all the boxes! Let’s explore how to make the best Hawaiian chicken recipe at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup soy sauce (use low sodium soy sauce for a healthier option)
- ¼ cup honey (for a natural sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (adds a mild tang)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (for authentic Hawaiian flavor)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
For Thickening the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish & Serving:
- 4 pineapple slices (grilled for extra flavor)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:Pineapple juiceSoy sauceHoney & brown sugarRice vinegar & sesame oilMinced garlic & grated gingerRed pepper flakes (optional)
Step2: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
- Pour half of the marinade over the chicken.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (2 hours recommended for more flavor).
Step3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard used marinade).
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step4: Cook the Glaze
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water mixture) and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step5: Caramelize the Pineapple
- Add pineapple slices to the skillet.
- Let them caramelize for 1-2 minutes per side.
Step6: Glaze & Serve
- Spoon the glossy sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish with chopped green onions & sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or grilled vegetables.
Equipment
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
Use fresh pineapple for a more natural sweetness.
Marinate overnight for extra juicy and flavorful chicken.
Grill the chicken for a smokier, charred taste.
Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.