Zesty Tropical Pineapple Chicken Recipe for Island Flavor

Succulent chicken meets tropical zest in this mouthwatering pineapple chicken recipe that promises a burst of flavor.

Sweet and tangy pineapple chunks dance beautifully with tender, seasoned chicken pieces.

The combination creates a vibrant dish that transports you to sunny island shores with every bite.

Juicy chicken marinates in a rich blend of tropical spices, ensuring maximum taste in each morsel.

Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to create a meal that will delight everyone at the table.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dish and watch as smiles spread faster than the delicious aroma.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Pineapple Chicken Ingredient Set

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs the tangy Hawaiian flavors beautifully, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.
• Sesame Seeds: Nutty topping that adds delightful crunch and visual appeal, look for raw, unhulled seeds for maximum texture.

• Pineapple Juice: Brings tropical sweetness and tenderizes the meat, choose 100% pure juice for authentic flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Adds rich umami depth and saltiness, opt for low-sodium version to control overall salt content.
• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized sweetness and helps thicken sauce, select dark brown sugar for deeper flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides bright, tangy undertone, look for clear, mild varieties.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic punch, fresh minced cloves deliver most robust flavor.
• Ginger: Introduces warm, spicy notes, fresh grated ginger offers most vibrant taste.
• Cornstarch: Acts as natural thickening agent, ensures glossy sauce consistency.

• Green Onions: Adds fresh, sharp flavor and bright color, choose crisp, bright green stalks.
• Steamed Rice: Perfect neutral base that soaks up delicious sauce, jasmine or long-grain recommended.
• Pineapple Chunks: Provides bursts of sweet, juicy texture, fresh is ideal but canned works well.

Tools to Help Cook This Tropical Chicken Dish

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing the sauce, provides even heat distribution.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tool for accurately measuring ingredients like soy sauce, pineapple juice, and sugar.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping garlic, ginger, green onions, and preparing chicken and pineapple.
• Sharp knife: Critical for slicing ingredients with precision and ease.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing cornstarch with water to create a thickening slurry.

Instructions for Making Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

• Sizzle the Chicken

Heat oil in a skillet and cook chicken pieces until golden and crispy on all sides. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for extra flavor. Set the browned chicken aside on a plate.

• Create Tropical Sauce

In the same pan, pour pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of rice vinegar. Add minced garlic and ginger for a zesty kick. Let the sauce simmer and bubble.

• Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the pan and toss in juicy pineapple chunks. Let everything dance together over medium-low heat, allowing the flavors to blend and intensify for about 10 minutes.

• Thicken and Glaze

Stir in a cornstarch mixture to transform the sauce into a glossy, clingy coating that hugs each piece of chicken. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce reaches perfect consistency.

• Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh green onions and sesame seeds over the top. Plate alongside fluffy steamed rice for a tropical feast that’ll transport you to Hawaiian shores.

Sweet and Savory Tips for Extra Flavor

• Add a dash of coconut extract to the sauce for an extra Hawaiian-style depth.
• Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, perfect for quick weeknight meals.
• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a delicious vegetarian version that maintains the same vibrant flavor profile.
• Drizzle some sriracha or add red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle heat that complements the sweet pineapple sauce.
• Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Best Ways to Serve Pineapple Chicken at Dinner

• Tropical Luau Plating: Arrange the chicken over a vibrant bed of coconut rice, creating a stunning island-inspired presentation that transports diners to Hawaii's beautiful shores.
• Hawaiian Feast Companion: Pair the dish with refreshing sides like grilled pineapple rings, crisp Asian slaw, or a light cucumber salad to balance the rich, sweet chicken flavors.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for added texture, color, and a burst of fresh herb notes that complement the tropical sauce.
• Family-Style Sharing: Serve the chicken in a large communal dish with extra sauce on the side, encouraging everyone to scoop generous portions over steamed rice and create their perfect Hawaiian-inspired plate.

Save Leftovers Without Losing Juiciness

• Store leftover Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of extra pineapple juice to maintain moisture and restore original flavor intensity.
• Pack the chicken in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen portions stay delicious for up to 2 months when sealed correctly.
• Separate sauce and chicken when storing to prevent soggy texture. Reconnect ingredients when reheating for maximum taste and restaurant-quality experience.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken breasts. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces and cook them carefully to prevent drying out.

• How spicy is this Hawaiian chicken dish?

This recipe isn’t spicy at all. It’s sweet and tangy from the pineapple and brown sugar, with a mild savory flavor from soy sauce and garlic.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce and verify your cornstarch is pure to make it gluten-free. Regular soy sauce contains wheat.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Cook the chicken on medium-high heat initially to brown it, then simmer gently in the sauce. Avoid overcooking, which can make chicken tough and dry.

Tropical Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken delivers tropical flavors with juicy grilled chicken and sweet caramelized pineapple. Marinade and grill create a perfect balance of tangy and savory notes for a quick weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) pineapple juice
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) soy sauce
• 0.33 cup (80 g) brown sugar
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsps water
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Seasoning: Generously coat chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, ensuring uniform distribution for robust flavor development.
2. Searing: Ignite a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat, strategically browning chicken until golden and crisp, rotating periodically for even caramelization.
3. Sauce Creation: Deglaze the skillet with pineapple juice, incorporating soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger, whisking to produce a harmonious, complex liquid base.
4. Simmering Fusion: Return chicken to the aromatic sauce, introducing sweet pineapple chunks, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing ingredients to meld and tenderize for approximately 10 minutes.
5. Thickening Process: Gradually integrate cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously to eliminate potential lumps and transform sauce into a glossy, clingy consistency that magnificently coats each chicken piece.
6. Garnishing and Serving: Elevate the dish by sprinkling sliced green onions and sesame seeds, creating textural contrast and visual intrigue, then present immediately over steamed rice for a vibrant Hawaiian-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Browning: Ensure chicken pieces are dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without steaming.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce that coats chicken evenly.
• Control Heat Carefully: Maintain medium-high heat initially for browning, then reduce to medium-low when simmering to prevent sauce from burning or becoming too thick.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free version, or use coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative that maintains the tropical flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg