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Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
Sweet Hawaiian Chicken brings the tropical flavors of paradise right to your dinner table. This delightful dish combines tender chicken pieces with a perfect balance of sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce, creating an irresistible meal that transports you to the islands with every bite. The golden-brown coating and glossy sauce make this recipe both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pan preparation that saves time and reduces cleanup while delivering restaurant-quality results
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that appeals to both kids and adults alike
- Tender, juicy chicken with a crispy coating that stays intact throughout the cooking process
- Colorful presentation with vibrant bell peppers and golden pineapple that makes every meal feel special
- Versatile recipe that works perfectly for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests
Why This Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Recipe Works
This Sweet Hawaiian Chicken recipe succeeds because it uses a foolproof double-coating method. The cornstarch creates an incredibly crispy exterior, while the egg wash helps everything stick together perfectly. The sauce combines natural pineapple juice with brown sugar for authentic sweetness.
The baking method ensures even cooking while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. By partially cooking the chicken on the stovetop first, you get that golden crust that stays crispy even after baking. The periodic stirring during baking guarantees every piece gets coated in that gorgeous glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the hefty price tag. The combination of textures – crispy coating, tender chicken, and juicy pineapple – creates a satisfying eating experience. The vibrant colors make it Instagram-worthy, while the familiar flavors ensure everyone at the table will ask for seconds.
The prep work is straightforward, and most ingredients are pantry staples. You can easily double the recipe for meal prep or entertaining. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with rice, making it a complete meal that satisfies even the heartiest appetites.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 4 pieces | Main protein, cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Basic seasoning for chicken |
| Cornstarch | 1 cup + 1/2 tablespoon | Creates crispy coating and thickens sauce |
| Large eggs | 3 beaten | Binding agent for coating |
| Vegetable oil | 1/4 cup | For frying chicken pieces |
| Pineapple juice | 1 cup | Sweet base for sauce |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup | Adds caramelized sweetness |
| Low-sodium soy sauce | 1/3 cup | Provides umami and saltiness |
| Garlic | 1 clove minced | Aromatic flavor enhancement |
| Red bell pepper | 1 chopped | Color and mild sweet crunch |
| Pineapple tidbits | 20 oz can, drained | Tropical sweetness and texture |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 9×13-inch baking pan | Main cooking vessel for baking |
| Large non-stick skillet | For browning chicken pieces |
| Large bowl | Holds cornstarch for coating |
| Medium bowls (2) | One for eggs, one for sauce mixing |
| Whisk | Combines sauce ingredients smoothly |
| Cooking spray | Prevents sticking in baking pan |
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Prep and Preheat | Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside for later use. |
| 2. Prepare Chicken | Cut chicken breasts into bite-size pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper. Set up coating stations with cornstarch in large bowl and beaten eggs in medium bowl. |
| 3. Coat Chicken | Dip each chicken piece in cornstarch to coat completely, then dip in beaten eggs for double coating protection. |
| 4. Brown Chicken | Heat vegetable oil in large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook coated chicken in batches until golden-brown on all sides. Don’t overcrowd pan. Transfer to prepared baking dish. |
| 5. Make Sauce | In medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth and well combined. |
| 6. Assemble and Bake | Pour sauce evenly over chicken. Sprinkle chopped bell pepper and drained pineapple tidbits on top. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes for even coating. |
| 7. Rest and Serve | Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken slightly. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Cut chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking – aim for 1-inch cubes that cook at the same rate
- Don’t skip the double coating process as it creates the signature crispy texture that makes this dish special
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for food safety
- Stir gently every 15 minutes during baking to prevent sticking and ensure even sauce distribution
- Let the dish rest after baking as the sauce continues to thicken and flavors continue to develop
Serving and Storage Tips for Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
Serving Tips
Serve this Sweet Hawaiian Chicken over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. The combination creates a complete, satisfying meal. For added nutrition, consider serving alongside steamed broccoli or snap peas that complement the tropical flavors perfectly.
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra visual appeal and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with other Asian-inspired sides. For a complete Hawaiian-themed meal, check out this Ultimate Chicken Casserole for more comfort food inspiration.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight containers. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven at 300°F until warmed through. The flavors actually improve overnight as they continue to meld together.
Mistakes to Avoid When Making Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning chicken pieces. This causes steaming instead of browning, resulting in soggy coating. Work in batches to maintain proper heat and achieve golden-brown results every time.
Avoid using fresh pineapple juice with enzymes that can break down proteins. Canned pineapple juice works better for consistent results. Also, don’t skip the cornstarch in the sauce – it’s essential for proper thickening and glossy appearance.
Never skip the resting period after baking. This allows the sauce to reach perfect consistency and prevents burning your mouth on molten-hot sauce. For more chicken recipe ideas, explore this Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Recipe for variations.
You Must Know
- Always drain pineapple tidbits thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from diluting the sauce concentration
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels since the sauce reduces and concentrates during baking
- Check chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety, especially with bite-sized pieces
- The sauce will appear thin initially but thickens significantly during the baking process and resting time
Tips and Tricks for Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
For extra flavor depth, marinate chicken pieces in soy sauce for 30 minutes before coating. This adds an extra layer of savory taste that complements the sweet sauce beautifully.
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for subtle heat that balances the sweetness. You can also substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer darker, more flavorful meat that stays incredibly moist.
Make this dish ahead by preparing everything through step 5, then refrigerating overnight. Bake the next day, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
Suggestions for Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
Transform this recipe into a complete meal by adding vegetables directly to the pan. Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli work wonderfully and cook perfectly in the same timeframe.
For a lighter version, try baking the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack instead of frying first. You’ll still get great results with less oil. Consider pairing with this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for a surf-and-turf dinner party.
Experiment with different fruit combinations – try mango chunks or mandarin oranges for variety. Each brings its own unique sweetness and tropical flair to the dish.
FAQ for Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
FAQs:
Yes, chicken thighs work excellently and often stay more moist than breasts. Use the same coating method and cooking time, but ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Make sure chicken is completely dry before coating, press the cornstarch firmly into the chicken, and don’t overcrowd the pan when browning. The double coating method helps significantly.
While possible, you’ll lose the crispy coating that makes this dish special. For best results, stick with the oven method or try this Hawaiian Chicken Recipe for slow cooker alternatives.
Jasmine rice or medium-grain white rice work best as they absorb the sauce beautifully. Brown rice adds nutrition and a nutty flavor that complements the tropical taste.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight. Reheat gently to maintain the coating texture and prevent overcooking the chicken.
Conclusion
Sweet Hawaiian Chicken delivers everything you want in a family-friendly dinner – incredible flavor, beautiful presentation, and simple preparation. The combination of crispy chicken, tropical pineapple, and glossy sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
This recipe proves that impressive dinners don’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. With basic pantry staples and straightforward methods, you can create a dish that brings smiles to faces and requests for the recipe. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this Sweet Hawaiian Chicken guarantees success every single time.
More Easy Dinner Recipes:
- Instant Pot Recipes: Quick, Flavorful Meals for Every Occasion
- Easy 15-Minute Seafood Salad with Shrimp and Crab – Easy Seafood Salad
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📖 Recipe Card
Sweet Hawaiian Chicken with Pineapple
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Sweet Hawaiian Chicken is a tropical twist on classic baked chicken, combining crispy bite-sized chicken pieces with sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and colorful bell peppers. This easy one-pan dinner brings bold flavor, vibrant color, and a touch of island sunshine to your table—perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup plus 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 20 oz can pineapple tidbits, drained
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside for later use.
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-size pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper. Set up coating stations with cornstarch in large bowl and beaten eggs in medium bowl.
- Dip each chicken piece in cornstarch to coat completely, then dip in beaten eggs for double coating protection.
- Heat vegetable oil in large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook coated chicken in batches until golden-brown on all sides. Don’t overcrowd pan. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
- In medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
- Pour sauce evenly over chicken. Sprinkle chopped bell pepper and drained pineapple tidbits on top. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes for even coating.
- Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
Notes
- Cut chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking – aim for 1-inch cubes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels
- Always drain pineapple tidbits thoroughly to prevent excess liquid
- Check chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety
- The sauce will appear thin initially but thickens significantly during baking
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: pineapple chicken, Hawaiian chicken, sweet and savory chicken, baked chicken bites, tropical chicken dinner, pineapple soy sauce chicken, island chicken recipe
