Hawaiian Chicken

The sweetness of the pineapple mingles perfectly with the savory grilled chicken, creating a tropical symphony of flavors that transport you straight to the islands. As the chicken sizzles on the grill, the aroma of smoky charred edges combines with the bright citrusy notes of the pineapple glaze, making it impossible to resist just one more bite. The key to getting that perfect balance of sweet and savory is in the marinade. A mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a splash of lime can transform the chicken into something extraordinary. The honey adds a rich sweetness, while the soy sauce provides that deep umami that gives the dish its complexity.

As you plate up the chicken, you can’t help but notice the vibrant colors—the golden caramelized pineapple slices gleaming alongside the juicy, perfectly seared chicken. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. For a little extra crunch, sprinkle a handful of toasted coconut over the top. The coconut’s delicate sweetness and crunch elevate the dish, making every bite a little more exciting.

Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or preparing a weeknight dinner, this Hawaiian Chicken is bound to steal the spotlight. It’s the kind of dish that sparks conversation and brings everyone around the table. Trust me, your friends and family will be begging for seconds!

Key Ingredients in Hawaiian Chicken

Each ingredient in this Hawaiian Chicken recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect blend of flavors and textures. From the juicy chicken breasts to the sweet pineapple and savory teriyaki sauce, every bite is balanced and mouthwatering. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish. Tender, juicy, and easy to grill, chicken breasts provide a blank canvas to soak up all the delicious marinades and glazes.
• Olive oil: A light coat of olive oil helps keep the chicken moist while grilling and adds a subtle richness to the flavor.
• Garlic powder: This simple ingredient infuses the chicken with a savory, aromatic depth that complements the sweetness of the pineapple and teriyaki sauce.
• Onion powder: A touch of onion powder brings in a mellow sweetness and umami, enhancing the savory notes in the dish.
• Paprika: Adds a mild smoky flavor that deepens the taste profile of the chicken, giving it a subtle complexity without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and balancing the sweetness of the pineapple and teriyaki sauce.
• Black pepper: A dash of black pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, creating a perfect contrast to the sweeter ingredients.
• Pineapple chunks: The tropical sweetness and juiciness of the pineapple are key to making this dish feel like a vacation on a plate. When grilled, they become caramelized and even more delicious.
• Teriyaki sauce: This rich, savory-sweet sauce is the backbone of the marinade, giving the chicken its signature flavor with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and creamy, mozzarella adds a bit of indulgence to the dish, helping to tie the flavors together while providing a comforting texture.
• Sliced green onions: A burst of fresh, crisp flavor, the green onions provide a slight sharpness that cuts through the richness of the dish and adds a pop of color.
• Sesame seeds: These tiny seeds bring a toasty crunch that adds both texture and a delicate nuttiness to finish off the dish with a little extra flair.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken

Serving Suggestions for Hawaiian Chicken

1. Pair with a Crisp Salad: The fresh, vibrant flavors of a light green salad are the perfect companion to the sweet and savory Hawaiian Chicken. A mix of arugula, cucumber, and avocado with a tangy lime vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the dish. It’s a combination that’ll make you feel like you’re dining at a tropical resort!

2. Serve with Coconut Rice: Bring the island vibes to life by serving this dish with coconut rice. The creamy, subtly sweet coconut flavor complements the pineapple and chicken beautifully. Plus, the rice soaks up any extra pineapple sauce, making each bite even more indulgent.

3. Grilled Veggies on the Side: For a colorful and nutritious side, grill up some bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus. The smoky char from the grill pairs wonderfully with the tropical chicken, adding a savory depth that rounds out the meal. And let’s be honest, a little charred veggie goodness never hurt anyone!

How to Store Hawaiian Chicken

If you find yourself with leftovers (and trust me, this dish is just as good the next day), it’s important to store Hawaiian Chicken properly to keep all those delicious flavors intact. To start, let the chicken cool down to room temperature before storing it, as putting hot food directly into the fridge can lead to soggy textures and a less-than-ideal outcome.

Once cooled, you can place the chicken in an airtight container. Be sure to store the chicken and pineapple sauce separately if possible, as the sauce can sometimes make the chicken a bit soggy over time. If you don’t mind a little extra sauciness, you can store everything together—just make sure to drizzle some fresh sauce on top before reheating to keep that vibrant flavor alive.

To reheat, you can simply pop the chicken in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to warm it through. The cheese may lose a bit of its original melt, but the flavors will still shine through. If you’re in a rush, a quick zap in the microwave will work as well, but try to heat it gently so the chicken stays juicy.

For longer storage, you can freeze Hawaiian Chicken. Just wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will keep the chicken fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The pineapple may soften a bit, but the flavor will still take you right back to that sunny island vibe.

Conclusion

And there you have it! This Hawaiian Chicken is the kind of dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also brings a little sunshine to your table. The juicy grilled chicken, sweet pineapple, and that indulgent mozzarella cheese come together in a way that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re grilling up a family dinner or impressing your friends at a barbecue, this dish is sure to steal the show.

I hope you give it a try—it’s one of those recipes that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds, let’s be honest). And if you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Feel free to share your thoughts, ask any questions, or let me know if you need any tips along the way. This recipe is all about enjoying the flavors, the fun, and the experience, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Hawaiian Chicken

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 35 mins

Calories: 350

Description

Hawaiian Chicken is a tropical feast with tender, juicy chicken glazed in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. The savory notes of the grilled chicken blend perfectly with the fruity sweetness, creating a delicious balance of flavors you won’t want to miss!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup pineapple chunks

• ¹⁄₄ cup teriyaki sauce

• ¹⁄₄ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¹⁄₄ cup sliced green onions

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
3. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside.
6. In the same skillet, add the pineapple chunks and teriyaki sauce.
7. Cook the pineapple and sauce mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the sauce thicken slightly.
8. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the pineapple sauce over them.
9. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken breasts.
10. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish the chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
12. Serve the Hawaiian chicken immediately, ensuring each portion gets a good amount of the pineapple and sauce.

Note

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
• For a crispy finish, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after baking to brown the cheese.
• Feel free to swap mozzarella with provolone or a cheese of your choice.
• If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a little honey to the teriyaki sauce while cooking the pineapple.
• Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: Hawaiian chicken recipe, easy Hawaiian chicken dinner, tropical chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken dish, grilled Hawaiian chicken