Escape to a tropical paradise with this delicious and easy Hawaiian Chicken recipe. The blend of sweet ‘n sour flavors, combined with tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and crunchy peppers make for a delightful weeknight meal. You’ll be saying mahalo after taking the first bite!
Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen preparing dinner, only to be left with a pile of dishes to clean up afterward?
Look no further!
This one-pan Hawaiian chicken recipe is here to save the day.
By following a few simple steps, you can have a delicious, hassle-free meal on the table in no time.
In this article, we’ll share the key ingredients and techniques for a successful one-pan meal, as well as some serving suggestions and why you’ll love this recipe.
So grab your favorite pan and let’s get cooking!
Disclosure – I may get a small commission for purchases made through affiliate links in this post.
Key to Success #1 – Cube the Chicken and the Peppers
To start off this recipe on the right foot, it’s important to cube both the chicken and the peppers.
This will ensure that they cook evenly and provide the perfect bite-size pieces for your meal.
Be sure to remove any excess fat from the chicken before cubing it. A
s for the peppers, feel free to use your favorite color – the recipe works great with red, green, or yellow peppers.
Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
I used chicken tenderloins and I was able to get about 3 cubes out of each tenderloin.
One advantage of cubing the chicken as opposed to cooking the full breasts is that the cubed chicken will cook much faster.
You can julienne slice the peppers or you can dice them.
I prefer to dice the peppers for this recipe just because I think it fits well with the cubed chicken.
Either way, they will cook in about the same amount of time.
Just be sure to cut the peppers into consistent sizes.
Key to Success #2 – Don’t Skip The Barbecue Sauce
To truly take this one-pan Hawaiian chicken meal to the next level, it’s essential not to skip the barbecue sauce.
While you might be tempted to substitute it for another sauce or seasoning, the sweet and tangy flavor of Head Country barbecue sauce is what truly ties this recipe together.
The secret ingredient in this sauce is Head Country barbecue sauce.
Of course, you can use any barbecue sauce that you like but I highly recommend the Head Country Original Barbecue Sauce in this recipe.
It adds a tangy note to this sweet and sticky sauce.
The sauce is so delicious and it really smells amazing.
As I was whisking up the sauce, Noah came into the kitchen and said “Something smells good, mom!”
He’s not really into sweet and sour flavors but he loved this Hawaiian Chicken and asked for seconds!
Key to Success #3 – Use Pineapple Tidbits or Chunks
One of the most important ingredients in creating a delicious Hawaiian chicken meal is the addition of pineapple tidbits or chunks.
Not only do they add a burst of sweet and juicy flavor, but they also provide a nice texture contrast to the tender chicken and crisp veggies.
Plus, pineapple is loaded with vitamin C and other nutrients, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
To incorporate pineapple into your one-pan meal, simply add the tidbits or chunks to the pan during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. T
his will allow them to heat through and meld with the flavors of the chicken, peppers, and barbecue sauce.
I use a can of Pineapple Tidbits in Hawaiian Chicken.
If you haven’t seen the Pineapple Tidbits, they are essentially smaller chunks of pineapples.
I think the smaller pineapple tidbits allow you to spread the pineapple throughout the dish so that you can get more pineapple flavor in every bite.
If you’d prefer, you can certainly use a can of pineapple chunks or even fresh pineapple.
You can use as much pineapple as you like.
I use a full 20-ounce can.
Be sure to drain the juice from your pineapple but reserve some juice to use in your sauce.
Serving suggestions
As you transfer the pan to the table, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of your creation.
The vibrant colors, the sizzle of the sauce, and the sweet aroma will surely whet your appetite.
Serve the one-pan meal hot with a side of rice, quinoa, or a salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.
The possibilities for customizing and enhancing this one-pan recipe are endless.
Try adding other vegetables like broccoli or zucchini, experimenting with different sauces or marinades, or using a variety of protein options such as shrimp or pork.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own.
But wait, there’s more!
This Hawaiian chicken meal not only tastes great, but it also looks impressive.
Serve it to guests at your next dinner party or whip it up for a quick weeknight dinner with the family.
The beauty of this recipe is that it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
So go ahead, give it a try, and see for yourself why it’s sure to become a new family favorite.,
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
This one-pan Hawaiian chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights.
Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also packed with bold flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
But aside from its delicious taste and simplicity, there are a few other reasons why you’ll love this recipe.
First and foremost, it’s versatile.
As mentioned earlier, you can easily customize it to fit your taste preferences.
Whether you’re looking to add extra veggies or switch up the protein, this recipe can handle it all.
Plus, the addition of pineapple and red bell pepper adds a pop of color and sweetness that is hard to resist.
But it’s not just the taste that’s impressive – the presentation is equally stunning.
This one-pan meal is a feast for the eyes and is sure to impress your guests.
It’s perfect for entertaining but also works just as well for a quick weeknight dinner with the family.
In summary, this Hawaiian chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game.
With its versatility, bold flavors, and impressive presentation, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Save this Hawaiian Chicken recipe to your favorite Hawaiian Food board or your Chicken Dinner board.
Hawaiian Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 can 20 oz pineapple tidbits, drained, juice reserved
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
For sauce:
- 1/2 cup Head Country barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear to golden brown. Remove chicken from pan.
- Add diced peppers and saute for 5-6 minutes until tender. Remove peppers from pan.
- Add sauce ingredients to pan and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat medium-low.
- Add chicken to sauce and cook on medium-low until sauce starts to thicken and chicken is fully cooked.
- Gently stir in peppers and pineapple tidbits. Continue cooking 3-5 more minutes until sauce is fully thickened.
- Serve over white rice or fried rice.
tracikenworth
Saturday 15th of February 2020
Looks great!
Trina
Tuesday 9th of June 2020
It wasnt very tasty at all. Would not make this recipe again