Name: Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar; 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks; 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Hawaiian Chicken is one of those dinners that feels a little special but comes together with surprising ease—perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something warm, colorful, and deeply satisfying. With juicy chicken coated in a sticky teriyaki glaze, bursts of caramelized pineapple, and vibrant bell peppers in every bite, this dish brings sweet-and-savory comfort straight to your kitchen.

I first made this Hawaiian Chicken on an especially hectic evening when everyone was hungry now and takeout was tempting—but I wanted something fresher and more homemade. To my surprise, everything came together in just one skillet, and the kitchen filled with the most irresistible aroma of garlic, ginger, and sweet pineapple simmering together. By the time dinner hit the table, it felt like a small win worth celebrating.

Here’s why this recipe quickly becomes a favorite:

Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
One-pan skillet recipe, which means easy cleanup
Family-friendly flavors that both kids and adults love

This Hawaiian Chicken recipe walks you through easy, approachable steps, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a foolproof sauce that’s glossy, flavorful, and better than takeout. Whether you’re new to cooking or just need a reliable dinner you can count on, this is the kind of recipe that makes weeknights feel a little brighter. 🌺🍍

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

Sweet and Savory Island Flavors

This Hawaiian Chicken recipe strikes that just-right balance between sweet and savory that keeps you coming back for another bite. The teriyaki sauce brings rich umami, the pineapple adds bright, juicy sweetness, and the soy sauce and ginger round everything out with depth and warmth. It’s inspired by classic island flavors but never cloying—just perfectly balanced, comforting, and incredibly crave-worthy.

Simple Ingredients You Already Have

One of the best parts of this recipe is how approachable it is. You’ll likely already have pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and olive oil on hand. Fresh pineapple and bell peppers add natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a boost of nutrition—making this dish feel fresh and wholesome without requiring a special grocery trip.

Fast and Easy One-Pan Dinner

This is the kind of recipe that truly understands busy weeknights. With minimal prep and just one skillet, Hawaiian Chicken comes together quickly and without stress. Everything cooks in a single pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax. From prep to plate, dinner is ready in about 30 minutes—perfect when time is tight.

Easy to Customize for Any Family

This Hawaiian Chicken recipe is wonderfully flexible. Prefer it a little sweeter or more savory? Easy adjustment. Need to swap chicken for shrimp or tofu? Go for it. Love a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes does the trick. It’s a forgiving recipe that adapts effortlessly to your family’s tastes and needs.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients and What Each One Does

Teriyaki sauce – The flavorful base that creates that signature glossy finish
Soy sauce – Adds savory depth and balances the sweetness
Honey or brown sugar – Brings gentle sweetness to round out the sauce
Chicken breasts – Lean, tender protein that cooks quickly
Fresh pineapple chunks – Natural sweetness with a touch of acidity
Red & green bell peppers – Crunch, color, and freshness
Olive oil – Keeps everything from sticking and adds richness
Garlic & ginger – The aromatic backbone of the dish
Salt & black pepper – Simple seasoning to enhance every flavor
Green onions & sesame seeds – A fresh, slightly nutty finishing touch

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Sauce

Start by whisking together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. This quick step is where the magic begins—the sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors blend into a smooth sauce that will coat every bite of chicken beautifully. Taste it here if you like and adjust the sweetness slightly if needed.

Season and Prep the Chicken

Lightly season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Keeping the seasoning gentle prevents the dish from becoming overly salty once the sauce is added. Cut the chicken into evenly sized chunks so everything cooks at the same pace, which helps keep the meat tender and juicy.

Brown the Chicken Properly

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for a moment to develop a light golden color before stirring. Avoid overcrowding the pan—this ensures the chicken browns rather than steams, building flavor right from the start.

Add Pineapple and Peppers

Once the chicken is lightly browned, add the pineapple chunks and chopped bell peppers. Timing matters here—you want the vegetables to soften slightly while still keeping their crisp-tender texture. The pineapple will begin to caramelize, releasing its natural sugars and adding incredible flavor to the skillet.

Simmer and Thicken the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce clings beautifully to every piece.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and finish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve your Hawaiian Chicken warm over rice or your favorite side, and enjoy a dinner that feels both comforting and celebratory—without any fuss.

What to Serve with Hawaiian Chicken

Best Side Dish Pairings

Hawaiian Chicken shines when paired with simple, comforting sides that soak up all that sweet-and-savory sauce. Steamed jasmine rice is a classic choice, offering a fluffy base that lets the flavors really pop. Coconut rice adds a subtle tropical twist that feels especially fitting. For something heartier, fried rice works beautifully, while quinoa or cauliflower rice are great lighter options. On the veggie side, steamed broccoli or snap peas add freshness and a satisfying crunch.

Drink and Sauce Pairings

To keep things light and refreshing, iced tea is always a crowd-pleaser, balancing the richness of the dish. Pineapple juice echoes the tropical flavors and feels fun and celebratory. If you love extra sauce, serve a small dish of light Asian-style sauces, like a drizzle of soy or teriyaki, for dipping or spooning over rice.

Variations and Substitutions

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

For warm evenings, Hawaiian Chicken is fantastic on the grill. Thread the chicken, pineapple, and peppers onto skewers for easy turning and even cooking. Grill over medium heat, brushing with sauce during the last few minutes for a glossy finish. The light char adds smoky depth while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful—perfect for outdoor gatherings or summer dinners.

Hawaiian Chicken Stir-Fry

Turn this dish into a colorful stir-fry by adding extra vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or sliced onions. Cook them quickly over high heat so they stay crisp-tender. This variation is great when you want to stretch the recipe a bit further or sneak in more veggies without changing the comforting flavor profile.

Spicy Hawaiian Chicken

If your family loves a little heat, this version is for you. Stir in sriracha, a pinch of chili flakes, or a spoonful of sambal oelek to the sauce. The gentle spice pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple and adds a bold kick without overpowering the dish.

Protein and Diet Swaps

This recipe adapts easily to different diets and preferences. Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer richer, juicier meat. Shrimp cooks quickly and works well for a seafood twist, while tofu makes a satisfying plant-based option. For gluten-free needs, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari—no other changes required.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration Tips

Store leftover Hawaiian Chicken in an airtight container once it has cooled completely. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches. The flavors often deepen overnight, so leftovers can be even more delicious.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze cooked Hawaiian Chicken for longer storage. Let it cool fully, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This helps maintain the chicken’s texture and keeps the sauce smooth.

Reheating Tips

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, adding a splash of water if needed. The microwave works too—just heat in short intervals and stir to avoid drying out the chicken.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcook the chicken—remove it as soon as it’s tender and cooked through
Fresh pineapple offers the best flavor, but canned works in a pinch (drain it well)
Control sauce thickness by simmering a little longer or adding a splash of water
Prep ingredients ahead of time for stress-free cooking
Use a wide skillet to ensure proper browning and even cooking

These simple tips help make your Hawaiian Chicken consistently delicious, easy, and worthy of a spot in your regular dinner rotation. 🌺

Related Recipes

If you loved this Hawaiian Chicken, you might enjoy these other easy, flavor-packed dinner ideas from Creative Cookery:

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, you absolutely can. While fresh pineapple gives Hawaiian Chicken a brighter, slightly tangy flavor, canned pineapple works just fine when that’s what you have on hand. Be sure to drain it well before adding it to the skillet so the sauce doesn’t become watery. If the pineapple is packed in juice rather than syrup, that’s even better for keeping the sweetness balanced.

Is Hawaiian Chicken sweet or savory?

Hawaiian Chicken is a little bit of both—and that’s what makes it so special. The pineapple and honey bring gentle sweetness, while the soy sauce, garlic, and ginger add savory depth. The result is a well-balanced dish that isn’t overly sweet or salty, making it appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Can I make Hawaiian Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Hawaiian Chicken is a great make-ahead option. You can prepare it fully and store it in the refrigerator for a few days, or prep the sauce and chop the ingredients in advance to save time. In fact, the flavors often deepen after resting, making leftovers especially delicious.

What’s the difference between teriyaki chicken and Hawaiian chicken?

Teriyaki chicken focuses mainly on a soy-based, sweet-savory sauce, while Hawaiian Chicken adds fresh pineapple and colorful vegetables. That extra layer of fruit and texture gives Hawaiian Chicken its signature island-inspired feel and a brighter, more dynamic flavor profile.

Can I bake Hawaiian Chicken instead of cooking it on the stove?

Yes, baking is an option if you prefer a hands-off approach. Simply combine everything in a baking dish and cook until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens. Keep in mind that stovetop cooking allows more control over sauce consistency, but baking still delivers great flavor.

How do I thicken Hawaiian Chicken sauce naturally?

The easiest way is to let the sauce simmer a bit longer so it reduces naturally. If you need a quicker fix, a small cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) can help thicken the sauce without changing the flavor.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Chicken recipe works because it checks all the right boxes: it’s quick, flavorful, family-friendly, and incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients, a foolproof sauce, and one-pan convenience, it’s the kind of dinner that feels special without requiring extra effort. Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe is approachable and forgiving—perfect for building confidence in the kitchen.

I hope this Hawaiian Chicken becomes one of those recipes you reach for again and again, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual get-together. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share your favorite variation.
👉 Save this recipe for later and tell me how you make it your own! 🌺🍍