Easy Hawaiian Chicken Delight is a dish that brings joy and sunshine to any meal. It’s a simple recipe that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas—sweet pineapple and savory chicken dancing together. Many people have memories of gathering around the table with family, enjoying flavors that remind them of sunny days and beach vacations. This dish is worth trying because it combines fresh ingredients and tropical flavors that wake up the senses. Whether you are cooking for your family, having friends over, or just want a delicious weeknight meal, Easy Hawaiian Chicken Delight is a great choice to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Why Make This Recipe
What makes Easy Hawaiian Chicken Delight stand out is its simplicity and flavor. It requires just a few easy-to-find ingredients, yet it packs a punch when it comes to taste. In a busy world, it’s nice to have a recipe that doesn’t overwhelm us with complicated steps. You can cook this dish in under an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The lovely mix of sweet and savory flavors appeals to both kids and adults. Chicken is a family-friendly option, and when paired with fresh veggies and pineapple, it turns the meal into a mini tropical getaway. Plus, you can adjust the ingredients based on what you or your family likes; this flexibility makes it even more of a favorite.
Cooking is also about making memories, and Easy Hawaiian Chicken Delight can be a fun dish to make with kids. They can help wash the vegetables or mix the sauce, creating a playful atmosphere in the kitchen. When you sit down to eat, each bite carries the energy of togetherness, laughter, and joy.
How to Make Easy Hawaiian Chicken Delight
Making Easy Hawaiian Chicken Delight comes together so easily that you’ll feel like a kitchen pro in no time. Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure you have everything ready before you start—this way the cooking process feels smooth and simple.
Next, it’s time to heat your skillet. Pour a bit of olive oil into a large skillet and let it warm up over medium heat. The oil will shimmer gently, welcoming the chicken breasts into the pan. As you lay each chicken breast down, you’ll hear a comforting sizzle. This sound already tells you that good things are happening.
Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on both sides. Let it turn golden brown, as this gives it flavor and makes it look appealing. While the chicken cooks, gather the pineapple, bell peppers, and onion in a bowl and mix them together with soy sauce and honey. The sweetness of the honey mingling with the soy sauce creates an inviting aroma that will make your mouth water.
Once the chicken is browned and ready, simply pour the colorful mixture over it in the skillet. Covering the skillet will help cook everything evenly, allowing the sweet and savory flavors to meld beautifully. After around 15 to 20 minutes, your kitchen will smell like a tropical paradise.
When it’s ready, the chicken should be completely cooked, and the vegetables should be tender. It feels satisfying to serve this meal, as the colors of the dish create a feast for the eyes. Just imagine the vibrant red and green bell peppers alongside the juicy chicken and bright yellow pineapple—what a sight!
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The chicken serves as the hearty base of this dish, providing protein and a great texture. You can use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
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1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned, drained: Pineapple adds a sweet and juicy element, making the dish bright and lively. If you prefer, you can substitute it with mango for a different tropical flavor.
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1 red bell pepper, chopped: This pepper adds a nice crunch and sweet flavor. If you have yellow or orange bell peppers, you can definitely use those instead.
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1 green bell pepper, chopped: The green bell pepper brings a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness of the pineapple. You can skip it if green is not your favorite.
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1 red onion, sliced: The red onion adds depth and a sharp sweetness when cooked. If you like a milder flavor, you could swap it for a sweet onion.
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1/4 cup soy sauce: This sauce gives richness and umami flavor to the dish. For a gluten-free option, you can use tamari or coconut aminos.
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2 tablespoons honey: Honey brings sweetness that complements the soy sauce and pineapple perfectly. If you are vegan, maple syrup is a great substitute.
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2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil is used for cooking the chicken and adds a bit of richness. You could also use canola oil or avocado oil if you prefer.
Directions
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Heat the Oil: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer just a bit; this means it’s warm and ready.
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Cook the Chicken: Carefully add the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on one side until they are golden brown. Then, flip them carefully and brown the other side. The chicken should look a lovely golden color.
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Mix Ingredients: While your chicken is cooking, grab a mixing bowl. Combine the 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1 chopped red bell pepper, 1 chopped green bell pepper, and 1 sliced red onion. Give everything a good stir. The smell of this mixture will make your stomach rumble!
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Combine Everything: Once your chicken is beautifully browned, pour the sweet and colorful mixture over it in the skillet. Make sure the chicken is nicely covered.
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Cover and Simmer: Now, cover the skillet with a lid. Allow everything to simmer together for 15-20 minutes. The lid will keep the steam in, helping to cook the chicken fully while making the vegetables tender. You’ll start to notice that sweet, savory scent filling your kitchen.
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Check for Doneness: After 15-20 minutes, check that the chicken is cooked through—there should be no pink inside. You can use a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
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Serve Hot: Once it’s ready, serve your Easy Hawaiian Chicken Delight hot. It’s delightful to see the colorful medley of veggies and pineapple sitting on your plate alongside the delicious chicken.
How to Serve Easy Hawaiian Chicken Delight
Easy Hawaiian Chicken Delight is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. When serving, consider a few different ways to present it. You could enjoy it straight from the skillet for a casual feel, or plate it elegantly with a side of fluffy rice or noodles to soak up the delightful sauce.
It pairs beautifully with a light salad or some steamed vegetables if you’re looking to keep things fresh. As for drinks, a cool glass of iced tea or a fruity lemonade can balance the sweet flavors nicely.
This dish is perfect for many occasions—whether it’s a weeknight family dinner, a potluck with friends, or a gathering for a special occasion. It even works great for meal prep on Sundays as it tastes wonderful as leftovers!
How to Store Easy Hawaiian Chicken Delight
Leftovers are part of the fun with Easy Hawaiian Chicken Delight. If you have any leftovers, let them cool down before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they will last for about 3-4 days.
If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it too! Make sure to portion it out into smaller containers, which makes it easier to reheat later. When you’re ready to eat your frozen leftovers, just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To reheat, you can place leftovers in the skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or you can microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between, until they are warmed through. Don’t forget to check for even heating—nobody likes a cold bite!
Tips to Make Easy Hawaiian Chicken Delight
Cooking this dish is straightforward, but these small tips will help you get the best results:
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Use a Meat Thermometer: This tool can help you check that your chicken is cooked perfectly without cutting into it. Aim for 165°F (75°C) to be safe.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet is too full, the chicken may steam instead of brown. It’s better to cook in batches if you need more space.
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Let Chicken Rest: After cooking, give the chicken a few minutes to rest before slicing. This helps the juices settle and keeps it juicy on your plate.
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Adjust Sweetness: If you like things sweeter, feel free to add a bit more honey. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance!
Variation
Easy Hawaiian Chicken Delight is super flexible; here are a few ideas on how you can tweak the recipe:
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Add Spices: If you want some heat, try adding a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
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Switch Up the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli to the mix for added color and flavor.
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Make It Gluten-Free: Replace soy sauce with a gluten-free option like tamari or coconut aminos to accommodate dietary needs.
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Add Nuts: For some added crunch, toss in some cashews or almonds in the last few minutes of cooking.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Easy Hawaiian Chicken Delight ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture a few hours before you plan to cook. Just keep the chicken and veggies separate until you’re ready to cook. This way, everything will still taste fresh.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A: The best way to reheat leftover Easy Hawaiian Chicken Delight is in a skillet over low heat, stirring often until warm. You can also use a microwave, but remember to heat in short bursts and check to avoid hot spots.
Q: Can I use a different cheese or flour?
A: There is no cheese or flour in this recipe. However, if you’re looking for gluten or dairy alternatives, be sure to substitute with options that suit your dietary needs, like gluten-free soy sauce or plant-based sweeteners!
Easy Hawaiian Chicken Delight is more than just a meal; it’s a chance to gather with loved ones. With its simple steps and vibrant flavors, everyone can enjoy a taste of the tropics right at home. Give it a try, and create delicious moments that you’ll look forward to again and again!
Print
Easy Hawaiian Chicken Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None specified
Description
A simple and delicious dish that combines sweet pineapple and savory chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, pineapple chunks, red and green bell peppers, and sliced red onion. Stir well.
- Once chicken is browned, pour the mixture over it in the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot, optionally with rice or noodles.
Notes
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep juices settled. Feel free to adjust sweetness with more honey if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, Hawaiian, easy recipe, weeknight dinner, pineapple