Name: Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce; 1/3 cup ketchup; 3 Tbsp pineapple juice concentrate (thaw if solidified); 2 Tbsp packed brown sugar (light or dark); 1 1/2 Tbsp rice vinegar; 2 1/2 tsp cornstarch; 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tsp minced garlic (about 2 cloves); 2 tsp peeled and minced fresh ginger; 3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 medium green bell pepper, cored and diced into 1-inch pieces; 1 medium red bell pepper, cored and diced into 1-inch pieces; 1 small red onion, chopped into chunks; 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes; 2 cups fresh cubed pineapple; 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 2 reviews

If you are craving something that bursts with bright, tangy, and sweet flavors all at once, this Hawaiian Chicken Recipe is your next kitchen hero. It’s an inviting mix of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and vibrant bell peppers, all enveloped in a luscious, balanced sauce that’s part savory, part tropical sweet. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping to brighten up your week, this recipe promises an easy, memorable meal that’s packed with flavor and texture in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a colorful sheet pan meal with four main layers. The bottom layer is the dark gray metal pan holding the food. On top are chunks of light brown cooked chicken pieces scattered evenly across. Mixed with the chicken are bright yellow pineapple pieces, red and green bell pepper chunks, and purple pieces of cooked red onion. These four layers create a colorful mix of soft and slightly shiny textures. Fresh green cilantro leaves are sprinkled generously over the whole dish, adding small green spots and some loose sprigs mostly to one side. The background under the pan is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Hawaiian Chicken Recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a crucial role, from the golden pineapple juice adding tropical sweetness to the zingy ginger giving it a wonderful depth. Here’s everything you’ll want to gather before you start cooking.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami foundation that ties the dish together perfectly.
Ketchup: Brings a tangy sweetness that adds body and richness to the sauce.
Pineapple juice concentrate: The tropical star, bringing intense sweet and tart notes.
Brown sugar: Provides caramel-like sweetness and balances the acidity.
Rice vinegar: Lends acidity to brighten the flavors and cut through the sweetness.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce beautifully, giving it that perfect glossy finish.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle savory complexity that you won’t want to skip.
Minced garlic and fresh ginger: Adds aromatic warmth and a slight zing that’s essential.
Freshly ground black pepper: Gives a gentle spice kick to elevate every bite.
Green and red bell peppers: These colorful veggies offer crunch and freshness to contrast the tender chicken.
Red onion: Adds mild sweetness and an earthy undertone.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender, lean protein that soaks up the flavors beautifully.
Fresh cubed pineapple: Juicy bursts of tropical flavor, perfectly complementing the savory elements.
Chopped cilantro (optional): A fresh herbal note that adds a pop of color and flavor if you like.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit—this moderate heat will gently cook the chicken so it stays juicy. Meanwhile, spray a rimmed 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray; this will keep everything from sticking and makes cleanup so much easier.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, ketchup, pineapple juice concentrate, brown sugar, rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and pepper. This sauce is what gives the Hawaiian Chicken Recipe its signature sweet and tangy character, so be sure to blend it well until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Chicken

Place the diced red and green bell peppers, chopped red onion, and cubed chicken on your prepared baking sheet. Pour the sauce all over the ingredients, then toss gently to coat everything evenly. This step ensures each piece will be evenly flavored through cooking.

Step 4: Bake and Toss

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven, then bake for 10 minutes. Remove the pan and toss the ingredients once more to redistribute the sauce. This helps the chicken absorb even more flavor while keeping the veggies vibrant and crisp-tender.

Step 5: Add Pineapple and Finish Cooking

Sprinkle the fresh cubed pineapple evenly over the mixture. Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue cooking for another 7 to 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and lovely golden edges form. The pineapple will soften just enough to release its natural sweetness without losing its texture.

Step 6: Final Toss and Serve

Remove the baking sheet for a final toss to coat the chicken and veggies thoroughly with the glossy sauce. This last step is key to a beautifully balanced finish. Now your Hawaiian Chicken Recipe is ready to wow any dinner guest or family member!

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

A white speckled bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is white cooked rice with fluffy texture, the middle layer has chunks of orange-colored cooked chicken, red and green bell pepper pieces, yellow pineapple chunks, and purple onion pieces mixed in a light sauce, and the top layer is garnished with fresh green cilantro leaves scattered over the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth napkin partially visible on the right side and some green cilantro leaves near the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra fresh pop of flavor and color, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top just before serving. The fresh herb brightens the dish and adds a gentle contrast to the rich sauce. A few toasted sesame seeds also work wonderfully for a subtle crunch and nutty aroma.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs amazingly well with fluffy coconut rice, whose subtle sweetness complements the pineapple perfectly. You can also serve it with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option that still soaks up the sauce deliciously.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve Hawaiian Chicken Recipe in a hollowed-out pineapple shell for a tropical-themed presentation. Alternatively, pile it over a bed of fresh greens for a warm salad or stuff it inside warm tortillas for a fun Hawaiian chicken wrap that’s perfect for casual dining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Hawaiian Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and flavorful meal to enjoy throughout the week. Be sure to cool it before refrigerating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, place the cooled chicken and vegetables with sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Frozen, this dish can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the Hawaiian Chicken Recipe gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Adding a splash of water or pineapple juice can help keep the sauce luscious and avoid dryness. Stir occasionally for even heating and enjoy as if freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just dice them similarly and adjust cooking time as needed.

What if I don’t have pineapple juice concentrate?

You can substitute with regular pineapple juice, but use a slightly larger quantity to get the same tangy punch. The concentrate delivers intense flavor without extra liquid, so adjusting consistency might be necessary.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Hawaiian Chicken Recipe is mild, with just a hint of black pepper heat. You can add a pinch of red chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier kick.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and double-check your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish easy to adapt.

What’s the best way to dice the chicken evenly?

Using a sharp knife, try to cut the chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch cubes of equal size. This helps them cook evenly so each bite is tender and juicy throughout the baking process.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Chicken Recipe is a true winner for anyone who loves a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with minimal fuss. It’s perfectly balanced, easy to prepare, and sure to become one of your go-to dishes for weeknights or special occasions. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds and sharing it with everyone you know!