Imagine a golden sunset over the Pacific, the breeze carrying the scent of grilled pineapple and sweet tropical spices. Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken is more than just a dinner—it’s a memory, a celebration of island hospitality, and a dish that brings family together around the table.
I first discovered this recipe on a trip to Maui, where I watched a local cook glaze chicken over an open flame, brushing it with honey infused with fresh pineapple juice. That taste—sweet, savory, tangy—stayed with me long after I left. Every time I make this dish, it transports me back to that small seaside stand, the sound of ukulele music drifting through the air.
Whether you’re longing for a tropical getaway or simply craving a fresh twist on dinner, Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken invites a little island magic into your home. Tender chicken, kissed by a sticky-sweet honey pineapple glaze, paired with caramelized pineapple slices—every bite feels like a warm breeze on your skin.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something irresistible about the way sweet and savory flavors dance together in Hawaiian cuisine, and this dish is no exception. Here’s why it will become a favorite at your table:
- Tropical flavor in every bite: The honey-pineapple glaze infuses the chicken with juicy, sun-ripened sweetness balanced by a savory depth from soy sauce and ginger.
- Weeknight friendly: From fridge to table in under 40 minutes, yet special enough to serve for guests.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with coconut rice, stir-fried veggies, or even served over a crisp salad.
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters fall in love with the caramelized pineapple and sticky glaze.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or substitute with chicken breasts)
- 1 cup pineapple juice (freshly squeezed or canned)
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
For Thickening the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish & Serving:
- 4 pineapple slices (grilled or pan-seared)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
How to Make Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken
Cooking Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken is like orchestrating a little tropical symphony in your kitchen. The sizzling sound of chicken searing, the fragrant aroma of pineapple caramelizing, the glossy glaze coming together—it’s a feast for the senses.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. The scent of this marinade alone will make your mouth water—a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour half the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor. The other half of the marinade will become the sauce, so be sure to keep it separate.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the used portion) and pat lightly with paper towels. Sear the chicken for about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crisp at the edges. The kitchen will be filled with a delicious caramelized aroma.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. In a small bowl, stir the cornstarch and water together to make a slurry. Add it to the skillet, stirring constantly as the sauce bubbles and thickens into a glossy glaze.
Step 5: Caramelize the Pineapple
In a separate pan or alongside the chicken if there’s room, grill or sear the pineapple slices for 1–2 minutes on each side until they develop golden, caramelized grill marks. This step adds a smoky-sweet depth that takes the dish to the next level.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Spoon the thickened glaze over the chicken, making sure each piece is beautifully coated. Arrange the caramelized pineapple slices on top. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of freshness and crunch. Serve warm over fluffy jasmine or coconut rice, spooning extra sauce over everything.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh pineapple juice if possible for the brightest, sweetest flavor.
- Do not skip the marinade time—even a quick 30-minute soak makes the chicken more tender and flavorful.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
- Grill for extra smokiness: If you have an outdoor grill, cook the chicken and pineapple over the flames for that classic barbecue flavor.
DETAILS
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
NOTES
Serve Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken with a side of coconut rice, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pineapple works well—just make sure it’s packed in juice, not syrup, to avoid excess sweetness.
Can I bake instead of sear?
Absolutely. Bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then simmer the sauce on the stovetop separately.
Is it okay to use chicken breasts?
Yes, but keep an eye on cooking time to avoid drying them out. Chicken thighs stay juicier with longer cooking.
Storage Instructions
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice if needed to loosen the sauce.
Related Recipes
If you loved Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken, try these other tropical and savory dishes:
- Cajun Honey Chicken Bowls
- Delicious Huli Huli Chicken – A Hawaiian Classic
- Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple
Conclusion
Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken is more than a meal—it’s a little escape. Every bite brings you closer to the islands, where the days are sunny, the food is flavorful, and meals are meant to be shared. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or a special gathering, this dish delivers warmth, joy, and aloha straight to your table.
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Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken
Description
Imagine a golden sunset over the Pacific, the breeze carrying the scent of grilled pineapple and sweet tropical spices. Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken is more than just a dinner—it’s a memory, a celebration of island hospitality, and a dish that brings family together around the table.
I first discovered this recipe on a trip to Maui, where I watched a local cook glaze chicken over an open flame, brushing it with honey infused with fresh pineapple juice. That taste—sweet, savory, tangy—stayed with me long after I left. Every time I make this dish, it transports me back to that small seaside stand, the sound of ukulele music drifting through the air.
Whether you’re longing for a tropical getaway or simply craving a fresh twist on dinner, Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken invites a little island magic into your home. Tender chicken, kissed by a sticky-sweet honey pineapple glaze, paired with caramelized pineapple slices—every bite feels like a warm breeze on your skin.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or substitute with chicken breasts)
1 cup pineapple juice (freshly squeezed or canned)
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
For Thickening the Sauce:
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
For Garnish & Serving:
4 pineapple slices (grilled or pan-seared)
2 green onions, chopped
Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. The scent of this marinade alone will make your mouth water—a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour half the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor. The other half of the marinade will become the sauce, so be sure to keep it separate.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the used portion) and pat lightly with paper towels. Sear the chicken for about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crisp at the edges. The kitchen will be filled with a delicious caramelized aroma.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. In a small bowl, stir the cornstarch and water together to make a slurry. Add it to the skillet, stirring constantly as the sauce bubbles and thickens into a glossy glaze.
Step 5: Caramelize the Pineapple
In a separate pan or alongside the chicken if there’s room, grill or sear the pineapple slices for 1–2 minutes on each side until they develop golden, caramelized grill marks. This step adds a smoky-sweet depth that takes the dish to the next level.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Spoon the thickened glaze over the chicken, making sure each piece is beautifully coated. Arrange the caramelized pineapple slices on top. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of freshness and crunch. Serve warm over fluffy jasmine or coconut rice, spooning extra sauce over everything.
Notes
Serve Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken with a side of coconut rice, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.