Imagine a plate filled with juicy golden chicken glazed in a sticky-sweet sauce, paired with pineapple so succulent it bursts with flavor the moment it hits your tongue. That’s what Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken is all about—a tropical escape served up on your dinner table in under 30 minutes. This dish effortlessly blends sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with tender chicken and juicy fruit, making it one of the most comforting and satisfying chicken recipes you’ll ever try.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, tired after work, or planning a weeknight meal that’s both quick and delicious, this recipe brings flavor and joy with minimal effort. It’s a top-tier go-to in the world of easy chicken dinners, and we’re about to show you why.
🌟 What Makes Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken So Irresistible?
This dish checks all the boxes for what home cooks truly want:
- Quick Cook Time – From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients – No fancy or hard-to-find items. Everything is pantry-friendly.
- Bold, Balanced Flavors – The pineapple gives it that exotic sweetness while the soy sauce and garlic bring savory depth.
- Family Friendly – Loved by adults and kids alike.
- Customizable – You can tweak it for spice lovers, low-carb eaters, or make it extra saucy for rice bowls.
What makes it uniquely Hawaiian is its tropical flair—the vibrant use of fruit in a savory main dish. It’s a delightful cross between a stir-fry and a sweet-and-sour classic.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why They Work)
Let’s break down each ingredient—not just what it is, but what it does for the flavor and texture of your dish:
🐓 Chicken Thighs (1 lb, boneless, skinless)
These remain juicy even after high-heat cooking. Cut into bite-sized pieces for fast, even cooking.
🍍 Pineapple Chunks (1 cup, canned or fresh)
Sweet, tangy, and tender—pineapple adds tropical flair and natural sugar to the sauce. Use fresh for more zing; canned for convenience.
🧄 Garlic Powder (½ tsp)
Brings warmth and a subtle depth without overpowering. Garlic complements sweet sauces beautifully.
🌿 Ground Ginger (½ tsp)
The silent star—adds gentle heat and zest that balances the sweetness of the pineapple and sugar.
🍯 Brown Sugar (½ cup)
Creates a rich, caramelized base for the sauce. Its molasses content gives the glaze depth and body.
🧂 Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (⅓ cup)
Adds that essential umami hit. Using low-sodium keeps the dish balanced, not salty.
🌽 Cornstarch (1 tbsp) + Water (1 tbsp)
Together, these thicken your sauce into a glossy coating that sticks to every piece of chicken.
🛢️ Vegetable Oil (1 tbsp)
A neutral oil for browning the chicken and creating flavor from caramelized edges.
👩🍳 How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken – Step-by-Step
This recipe is designed to be foolproof, even if you’re new to cooking. Here’s the process:
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground ginger
Ensure sugar is fully dissolved. This is your flavor-packed Hawaiian base.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken thighs.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Pineapple
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken.
- Add 1 cup pineapple chunks.
- Stir to coat, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 3–4 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water.
- Stir the slurry into the skillet.
- Cook for 1–2 more minutes, until the sauce becomes thick and glossy.
Step 5: Serve Hot
- Serve immediately over steamed rice, coconut rice, or noodles.
- Optional: garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or red chili flakes.
🥣 Sauce Secrets: Balancing Sweet, Tangy, and Savory
What makes this sauce exceptional is its three-layered balance:
- Sweet from brown sugar and pineapple
- Savory from soy sauce and garlic
- Zingy from ginger and a bit of pineapple acid
If you want to boost one flavor profile, here are simple adjustments:
- Too sweet? Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice.
- Too salty? Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce sugar slightly.
- Want it spicy? Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to taste.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions: Beyond Just White Rice
Don’t stop at basic white rice—this dish adapts beautifully to many sides:
🥥 Coconut Rice
Use coconut milk in place of water when cooking rice for an island-inspired pairing.
🥬 Lettuce Cups
Spoon chicken into romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a light, crunchy dinner.
🍜 Noodles
Toss over lo mein, ramen, or rice noodles for a satisfying noodle bowl.
🫓 Flatbreads or Sliders
Turn leftovers into pineapple chicken sliders or wraps with naan or tortillas.
🧊 Hawaiian Chicken Meal Prep Tips
This is one of those perfect recipes for batch cooking and meal prepping. Here’s how to make it work:
- Prep the night before: Dice chicken and mix the sauce ahead. Store separately in the fridge.
- Double batch tip: Cook once, eat twice! Freeze one portion for a future busy night.
- Pack for lunch: Store over rice in individual containers for ready-to-go weekday meals.
🧼 Storing & Reheating Without Losing Flavor
How to Store
- Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating Tips
- Microwave: Add 1 tbsp water, cover loosely, and heat for 2–3 minutes.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat with a splash of water to rehydrate the sauce.
🔄 Variations and Substitutions
Make this dish your own with these ideas:
Protein Swaps
- Chicken breast – Leaner option but dries out faster.
- Shrimp – Add during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking.
- Tofu – Press and pan-fry for a vegetarian twist.
Sauce Enhancements
- Add a dash of toasted sesame oil for nutty depth.
- Stir in red bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch and color.
- Use pineapple juice (from canned pineapple) to replace water in the slurry for extra flavor.
🥦 Nutritional Benefits of Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
This dish offers a solid mix of protein and carbs with moderate sugar—ideal for an energizing meal.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 23g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Sodium | 640mg |
It’s a well-rounded option when served with veggies or brown rice for extra fiber.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine all ingredients except the cornstarch slurry in a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4 hours. Stir in slurry during the last 15 minutes to thicken.
Can I freeze Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken?
Absolutely. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
Use flour as a thickener (2 tbsp mixed with 2 tbsp water), or arrowroot for a gluten-free option.
📝 Final Thoughts: Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation
Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken is more than just another easy dinner—it’s a dish that brings joy to the table. It’s tropical, balanced, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. With its short ingredient list and bold flavor payoff, it’s the kind of recipe that turns ordinary nights into something special. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish fits the bill beautifully.
🍍 Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken – Printable Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
- Pour sauce over the chicken. Stir in pineapple. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir into the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over rice, noodles, or veggies. Garnish as desired.
