Honey Pineapple Chicken Recipe – Best Sweet & Savory Meal

Looking for a sweet, savory, and exotic chicken dish? This Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken is the perfect recipe for you! The juicy chicken pairs beautifully with a honey and pineapple glaze, creating a mouthwatering combination of tropical sweetness and savory flavors. Plus, it’s ready in 35 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or meal prep option.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Tropical Flavor: The pineapple and honey create a naturally sweet and savory glaze.
Versatile: Great for meal prep, reheats well, and is healthier than takeout.
Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe is sure to impress at gatherings!

Ingredients for the Best Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken:

For the Chicken & Marinade:

4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
½ cup soy sauce (use low sodium for a healthier option)
¼ cup honey (for natural sweetness)
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp rice vinegar (adds a bit of tang)
1 tsp sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger (for that authentic Hawaiian flavor)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)

For Thickening the Sauce:

1 cup cornstarch
2 tbsp water

Garnish & Serving:

4 slices pineapple (grilled for extra flavor)
2 green onions, chopped
Sesame seeds

Step-by-Step: How to Make Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (optional).

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) in a shallow dish or sealable bag. Pour one-third of the marinade over the chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for better flavor).

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the used marinade) and cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Step 4: Cook the Glaze

Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then add it to the pan. Stir until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).

Step 5: Caramelize the Pineapple

Add pineapple slices to the skillet and let them caramelize for about 2 minutes on each side.

Step 6: Glaze & Serve

Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve immediately with Jasmine rice, Hawaiian macaroni salad, or grilled vegetables.

Pro Cooking Tips for the Best Hawaiian Chicken:

Fresh Pineapple: Use fresh pineapple for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
Marinate Overnight: Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance its flavor.
Grill the Chicken: Grilling the chicken will give it an irresistible smoky taste.
Chicken Breasts: You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a leaner option.

What to Serve with Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken:

Jasmine Rice: Soaks up the flavorful sauce.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad: A traditional side dish that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions make great sides to complement the dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 8g
Sodium: 600mg
Sugar: 24g

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient substitutions.)

Storage & Leftovers – How to Keep It Fresh:

Refrigeration:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

Freeze in a closed container for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

Microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of pineapple juice to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I cook this dish using an oven?
- Yes! Bake at 350°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes to caramelize the pineapple.
Can I use canned pineapple?
- Yes, but fresh pineapple gives a better caramelized taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
What other proteins could I use instead?
- Shrimp or tofu are great alternatives.

Related Recipes for Hawaiian Food Lovers:

Baked Huli Huli Chicken – Another tasty Hawaiian-inspired dish.
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet – A flavorful one-pan dinner.

Final Thoughts – A Taste of Hawaii at Home:

This Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken offers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. It’s a simple yet stunning dish that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. Enjoy it tonight and let us know how you liked it—did you add any personal twists or serve it with other side dishes?