Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken is the perfect combination of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful vegetables baked in a delicious homemade sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers tropical flavors with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Sweet and savory tropical flavors everyone enjoys
- Family-friendly and perfect for weeknight dinners
- One-pan meal with easy cleanup
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Naturally colorful and visually appealing
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh or canned pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, red onion, olive oil, garlic, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss everything well until evenly coated.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, vinegar, and cornstarch mixed with water.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Toss again to ensure everything is coated evenly.
- Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking.
- Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve the Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Use fresh pineapple for the brightest flavor.
- Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra vegetables.
- For more heat, increase the chili flakes.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Dairy-Free, Family-Friendly
Notes
- Serve with jasmine rice, coconut rice, or noodles.
- Brown sugar can replace honey.
- Fresh pineapple juice provides the best flavor.
- Garnish with green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds for extra freshness.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 17g
FAQ
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes. Canned pineapple chunks work well and make this recipe even more convenient.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I make Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare everything in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What should I serve with this recipe?
Steamed rice, coconut rice, noodles, or a fresh green salad pair wonderfully.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add a splash of pineapple juice if needed to maintain moisture.
Similar Recipes
Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Quick and Easy Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh or canned pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper chopped
- 1 red onion cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, red onion, olive oil, garlic, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss everything well until evenly coated.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, vinegar, and cornstarch mixed with water.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Toss again to ensure everything is coated evenly.
- Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking.
- Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve the Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Conclusion
This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken recipe is a delicious way to bring tropical flavors to your dinner table. With tender chicken, sweet pineapple, colorful vegetables, and a flavorful homemade sauce, it’s a simple meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.