Name: Hawaiian Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor); 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned); ¼ cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free option); 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated; 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh is best); 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce); 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or use canned pineapple chunks); 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional); 1 small onion, sliced; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish); Pineapple Juice: Pineapple juice not only provides sweetness but also acts as a tenderizer, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and full of tropical flavor.; Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami depth to the marinade, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the pineapple.; Garlic and Ginger: These two aromatic ingredients bring warmth and depth of flavor to the dish, complementing the tropical elements.; Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to cook the chicken to a beautiful golden brown and adds richness to the marinade.; Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a hint of caramelized sweetness to balance the savory flavors of soy sauce and garlic.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
¼ cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free option)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh is best)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or use canned pineapple chunks)
1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1 small onion, sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

Pineapple Juice: Pineapple juice not only provides sweetness but also acts as a tenderizer, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and full of tropical flavor.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami depth to the marinade, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the pineapple.
Garlic and Ginger: These two aromatic ingredients bring warmth and depth of flavor to the dish, complementing the tropical elements.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to cook the chicken to a beautiful golden brown and adds richness to the marinade.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a hint of caramelized sweetness to balance the savory flavors of soy sauce and garlic.

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade and Chicken

Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This marinade will not only flavor the chicken but also keep it juicy.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

Cook the Chicken

Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness, until the chicken is golden brown on both sides and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

Prepare the Pineapple and Vegetables

Cook the Vegetables and Pineapple: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and lightly caramelized. Then, add the fresh pineapple chunks and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pineapple is slightly charred and heated through.

Make the Sauce (Optional)

Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and vegetables from the skillet and set them aside. Add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to the skillet and stir it into the leftover juices. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken, then return the chicken and vegetables to the skillet to coat them in the sauce.

Serve the Hawaiian Chicken

Serve: Plate the chicken along with the sautéed vegetables and pineapple. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added flavor.
Enjoy: Serve your Hawaiian Chicken with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 400
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g