Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken: Sweet and Savory 30′

Name: Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken: Sweet and Savory 30-Minute Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-American Fuision
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); ½ cup pineapple juice; ⅓ cup chicken broth; ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 3 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry); Sesame seeds for topping; Green onions, sliced for topping

Recipes, 30' or Less, Chicken, Fuision-Cuisine, One Pot • 2025-04-30 • By Fabiana

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Hey there! If you’ve been following our blog for a while, you know just how much we love chicken. This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken is the perfect example. It’s a regular star in our kitchen! When you mix in some fruit and a pinch of salt, magic happens, and we’re always ready to enjoy it. We can’t get enough of that delightful combo of sweet and salty!

That’s why this dish is one of our all-time favorites—not just for special occasions, but for those everyday meals, too! It’s quick to whip up, taking only about 30 minutes, and it’s bursting with flavor. Trust me, you’ve got to give this recipe a try! We think you’ll love it just as much as we do, and don’t hesitate to add your own twist to make it uniquely yours! Happy cooking!

Plated Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Pot 01

Recipe At a Glance

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners
Serves: 4 people
Perfect For: Quick weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining

What You’ll Need

For the Chicken & Vegetables:

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

For the Tropical Sauce:

½ cup pineapple juice
⅓ cup chicken broth
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

For Garnish:

Sesame seeds for topping
Green onions, sliced for topping

Prep & Cook

Create Your Sauce Base: In a medium bowl, combine pineapple juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk until well incorporated and set aside.
Prepare Your Protein: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Cook The Chicken: Add seasoned chicken to the hot pan in a single layer. Sear for about 6 minutes total, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are nearly cooked through and developing a golden exterior.
Add Fresh Vegetables: Toss in the diced red bell pepper and cook for approximately 4 minutes until slightly softened but still maintaining some crispness.
Introduce Tropical Flavor: Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet and cook for another 4 minutes, allowing them to caramelize slightly.
Pour In The Sauce: Add your prepared sauce mixture to the pan, stirring everything together, and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
Thicken To Perfection: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour this into the simmering sauce and cook for about 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze that coats the chicken and vegetables.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving with fluffy rice.

Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Pot Preparation 01

Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Preparation 02

Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Preparation 03

Secrets from Our Kitchen to Yours

Pineapple Perfection: If using canned pineapple, drain well and save the juice for the sauce instead of buying separate juice.
Ginger Tip: Keep fresh ginger in the freezer for easy grating – no need to peel first, but I prefer though!
Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer Option: While the fresh version is best, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken pairs perfectly with:

Steamed jasmine or coconut rice
Quick-cooking brown rice for added nutrition
Cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option
Steamed broccoli or sugar snap peas for extra vegetables

Complete your tropical meal with a refreshing beverage like iced green tea with mint or a virgin piña colada.

If you enjoy chicken, be sure to try this other delicious recipe: “Marry Me Chicken Pasta.” It’s delicious and includes one of my Mamy’s favorite ingredients: sun-dried tomatoes.

Put Your Spin on It

Protein Swap: Works beautifully with pork tenderloin.
Veggie Variations: Try adding sliced carrots.
Spice It Up: Double the red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
Extra Crunch: Mix in cashews during the last few minutes of cooking.
Teriyaki Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and increase the ginger for a teriyaki-inspired flavor.

Tasty Thoughts

This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken strikes that perfect balance between sweet and savory, with just enough depth from the soy sauce and ginger to keep it interesting. The sauce – oh, that glossy, flavorful sauce! – brings everything together in a way that makes each bite more satisfying than the last.

This family-friendly recipe is not only quick and easy but also versatile – serve it over rice for a complete meal that tastes like a vacation in every bite. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this weeknight wonder meal will quickly become your go-to dinner when you’re craving something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Common Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? You can, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

How can I make this dish gluten-free? Simply swap the regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Can I make this in advance for a party? You can prepare the dish up to a day in advance and gently reheat it on the stovetop. If necessary, add a splash of chicken broth to thin the sauce. Be sure to garnish just before serving. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to two months.

What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain moisture.