There’s something about the balance of sweet and savory flavors that feels instantly comforting, and this Sweet & Savory Hawaiian Chicken is the perfect example. It’s the kind of dish that fits just as beautifully on a busy weeknight table as it does at a relaxed weekend gathering with family and friends. Imagine tender chicken coated in a glossy sauce, bursts of juicy pineapple, and colorful vegetables all coming together in one irresistible pan.
This recipe was inspired by the island-style flavors that celebrate contrast—sweet fruit paired with savory sauces, simple ingredients elevated by thoughtful seasoning. While it nods to Hawaiian-inspired cooking, it’s designed for home kitchens everywhere, using easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice or alongside roasted vegetables, this is a meal that invites everyone back for seconds.
Why Sweet & Savory Hawaiian Chicken Is Always a Hit
Sweet & Savory Hawaiian Chicken has universal appeal because it satisfies multiple cravings at once. The sweetness from pineapple and brown sugar balances perfectly with savory soy sauce and garlic, creating a sauce that coats every bite. The dish also offers texture: tender chicken, crisp peppers, and juicy pineapple pieces.
Another reason this recipe stands out is its versatility. It works for meal prep, family dinners, or casual entertaining. You can serve it with rice, noodles, or even wrapped in lettuce cups. The flavors feel special without being complicated, making it a go-to recipe when you want something comforting yet exciting.
Ingredients for Sweet & Savory Hawaiian Chicken
To make this dish flavorful and well-balanced, each ingredient plays an important role. Measurements are included for clarity and consistency.
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1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned pineapple chunks, drained)
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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½ medium yellow onion, sliced
For the Sauce:
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¾ cup pineapple juice
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⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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¼ cup brown sugar, packed
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2 tablespoons honey
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional Garnishes:
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Sliced green onions
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Toasted sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken for Perfect Texture
Begin by placing the bite-sized chicken pieces into a medium mixing bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the chicken, then gently toss until each piece is lightly coated. This step may seem simple, but it plays a crucial role in the final texture of the dish. The cornstarch helps seal in moisture while the chicken cooks, keeping it tender and juicy. It also acts as a natural thickener once the sauce is added later, allowing the sweet and savory glaze to cling beautifully to every piece of chicken instead of pooling at the bottom of the pan. Take a moment to separate any pieces that stick together so the coating remains even throughout.
Cook the Chicken Until Golden and Juicy
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning on all sides. You’re looking for a light golden color and fully cooked centers. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This step locks in flavor and ensures the chicken stays tender while you build the rest of the dish.
Sauté the Vegetables for Color and Crunch
Using the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion directly into the remaining oil and chicken drippings. This adds extra depth of flavor to the vegetables. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain a pleasant crunch. Their vibrant colors will brighten the dish visually while adding a mild sweetness and freshness. Next, add the pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This brief cooking time warms the pineapple and lightly caramelizes its natural sugars without making it mushy.
Whisk the Sweet and Savory Sauce
While the vegetables cook, prepare the sauce in a separate bowl. Combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are fully blended. This sauce is the heart of the dish, delivering that signature balance of sweetness, savory depth, and gentle tang. Whisking well ensures the flavors are evenly distributed and ready to thicken smoothly once heated.
Simmer the Sauce with the Vegetables
Pour the prepared sauce directly into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and pineapple. Stir gently to coat everything evenly, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. As the sauce heats, it will begin to thicken slightly, thanks to the cornstarch on the chicken that will be added shortly. Allow the sauce to simmer for a minute or two, giving the flavors time to meld and deepen.
Combine Everything and Thicken the Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring well to combine it with the vegetables and sauce. Make sure every piece of chicken is coated in the glossy mixture. Continue to simmer for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. During this time, the chicken absorbs the sauce, becoming even more flavorful. The finished sauce should be rich, shiny, and thick enough to cling to the chicken and vegetables without being heavy.
Finish, Garnish, and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened and everything is evenly coated, remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added freshness and texture. Serve the dish warm, ideally over steamed rice or alongside your favorite sides. Each bite should deliver tender chicken, crisp vegetables, juicy pineapple, and a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet & Savory Hawaiian Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice, which absorbs the extra sauce. For a lighter option, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside a crisp green salad. It also works well in meal-prep containers, holding its flavor and texture for several days in the refrigerator.
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Chicken
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Cut the chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; work in batches if needed.
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Fresh pineapple offers the best flavor, but canned works well when fresh isn’t available.
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Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar depending on your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and can even add extra juiciness. Boneless, skinless thighs are best, cut into similar-sized pieces as chicken breasts. Because thighs contain a bit more fat, they remain tender even if slightly overcooked. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through. The sauce pairs beautifully with thighs, making this a great option if you prefer darker meat.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Sweet & Savory Hawaiian Chicken is excellent for meal prep. Once cooked, allow it to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice if the sauce has thickened too much. The flavors often deepen after a day, making leftovers just as delicious.
Can I make this dish less sweet?
Absolutely. If you prefer a more savory profile, reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and omit the honey. You can also increase the soy sauce slightly or add a splash of broth to balance the sweetness. Taste the sauce before adding the chicken back in and adjust to your preference. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, allowing you to customize the flavor balance easily.
What vegetables can I add or substitute?
This recipe is very adaptable when it comes to vegetables. Snow peas, broccoli florets, zucchini, or carrots all work well. Just be mindful of cooking times; harder vegetables may need an extra minute or two in the pan. Adding more vegetables is a great way to stretch the dish and add extra color and nutrition without altering the core flavor.
Final Thoughts
Sweet & Savory Hawaiian Chicken is one of those recipes that quickly earns a permanent place in your rotation. It offers comfort, color, and bold flavor without demanding complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The balance of sweetness from pineapple and brown sugar with savory soy sauce and aromatic garlic creates a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable.
What makes this recipe especially memorable is how adaptable it is. You can tweak the sweetness, swap vegetables, or choose your favorite cut of chicken without losing the heart of the dish. It’s equally suitable for a quiet dinner at home or for serving guests who appreciate vibrant, crowd-pleasing flavors. The glossy sauce, tender chicken, and juicy pineapple combine to create a meal that looks as good as it tastes.
If you’re looking for a recipe that brings a little brightness to your table and satisfies a wide range of tastes, this Sweet & Savory Hawaiian Chicken delivers every time. It’s the kind of dish that encourages conversation, invites seconds, and leaves everyone feeling happily full. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a recipe everyone loves.
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Sweet & Savory Hawaiian Chicken Everyone Loves
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting, flavorful chicken dish inspired by island-style sweet and savory flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
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1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 cup pineapple chunks
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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½ medium yellow onion, sliced
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¾ cup pineapple juice
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⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons honey
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
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Toss chicken with cornstarch until evenly coated.
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Sauté bell peppers and onion until slightly tender. Add pineapple and cook briefly.
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Whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
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Pour sauce into skillet and bring to a simmer.
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Return chicken to the pan and simmer until sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
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Serve warm over rice or with your favorite side.
Notes
Adjust sweetness or saltiness to taste before serving. Fresh or canned pineapple can be used, and additional vegetables may be added as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
