Are you ready for a tasty, quick meal? The Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Skillet is your new go-to dish! This one-pan wonder combines juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and sweet pineapple, all in a simple, flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something fun and easy. Let me walk you through this delightful recipe that will impress your family and friends. Get your taste buds ready for a Hawaiian getaway!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Combination: The sweet pineapple paired with savory soy sauce and honey creates a delightful flavor explosion.
- One-Pan Meal: All ingredients cook in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Customizable: You can easily substitute ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients
To make a delicious Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Skillet, you’ll need the following fresh and vibrant ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
– 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
– Cooked jasmine rice or quinoa (for serving)
These ingredients come together to create a balance of sweet and savory flavors. The chicken thighs stay tender and juicy, while the bell peppers and pineapple add a fresh crunch. Honey and soy sauce combine to form a delightful glaze. You can even thicken the sauce with cornstarch if you prefer a richer texture. This dish is simple yet full of flavor, making it a perfect choice for any weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Start by cutting 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This size helps the chicken cook evenly. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until it is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Cooking the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add sliced red and green bell peppers. You’ll need one of each. Cook these for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly tender. Next, add 1 cup of pineapple chunks to the skillet. You can use fresh or canned pineapple. Cook this mixture for an additional 2 minutes. The sweet and tangy flavors will mix beautifully with the peppers.
Mixing the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. This sauce adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your dish. Pour this sauce over the cooked peppers and pineapple in the skillet. Stir well to combine everything.
Combining the Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir the chicken into the pepper and pineapple mixture. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the skillet. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
To serve, spoon the chicken mixture over cooked jasmine rice or quinoa. This adds a nice base to soak up the sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Skillet!
Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Best Chicken Cuts
I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this dish. Thighs stay juicy and tender as they cook. You could use chicken breasts, but they might dry out more easily. If you want a fun twist, consider trying chicken tenders too. They cook quickly and are great for a fast weeknight meal.
How to Enhance Flavor
To boost flavor, try marinating the chicken before cooking. A mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger works well. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This adds depth to the dish. Also, adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten up the flavors. You can even squeeze some lime juice over the top before serving for a zesty finish.
Tips for Thicker Sauce
If you want a thicker sauce, use cornstarch. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water. Stir this into the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Let it simmer until it thickens. This gives your dish a nice glossy look. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can mash some of the pineapple chunks into the sauce. This adds natural sweetness and thickness.
Pro Tips
- Marinate for More Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use Fresh Pineapple: If possible, use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a brighter taste and better texture. Fresh pineapple will enhance the sweetness and acidity of the dish.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for added nutrition and color. Just adjust the cooking time so they remain crisp.
- Serve with a Twist: Try serving the Hawaiian chicken with coconut rice instead of plain jasmine rice for a tropical flair that complements the flavors beautifully.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch up the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken, try shrimp or tofu. Both options bring unique flavors and textures. Shrimp cooks quickly, giving a nice bite. Tofu absorbs the sauce well, making it very tasty.
For veggies, feel free to get creative. Broccoli or snap peas work great in this dish. They add a nice crunch and color. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to keep them crisp.
Serving Options
When it comes to grains, jasmine rice is a classic choice. However, you can also use brown rice or quinoa. Both options add fiber and nutrients. Quinoa has a nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweet sauce.
You could also serve the chicken in wraps or over salads. These options make for a lighter meal. Plus, they are great for lunch the next day. Just pack the chicken mixture separately to keep it fresh.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Skillet fresh, let it cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors locked in. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing.
Reheating Instructions
Reheating is simple! You can use a microwave or stove. For the microwave, place the chicken in a bowl and cover it. Heat it for about 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure it warms evenly. If using the stove, heat it in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist.
Freezing Tips
To freeze, store the chicken in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label it with the date. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above to enjoy its sweet and savory flavors once more.
FAQs
Can I make Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Skillet ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Skillet ahead of time. Cook the chicken and veggies, then store them in an airtight container. This dish tastes great even after a day in the fridge. Just reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving. This helps save time on busy nights.
What can I serve with Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Skillet?
I love serving Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Skillet over jasmine rice or quinoa. The rice soaks up the sweet sauce well. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a lighter meal. If you want something crunchy, try adding a side of crispy wontons.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Skillet is perfect for meal prep. It stays fresh for a few days in the fridge. Pack it in single-serving containers. This makes it easy to grab and go for lunch or dinner. Just warm it up, and you have a tasty meal ready.
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, canned pineapple works well in this recipe. It saves time and adds sweetness. Just drain it before using to reduce extra juice. This keeps the dish from getting too watery. Fresh pineapple also tastes great, but canned is a good option if that’s what you have.
This blog covered an easy recipe for Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Skillet. We detailed the ingredients you’ll use, such as chicken thighs and pineapple. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and mixing. We shared tips on enhancing flavor and storage info.
In the end, this dish is fun and flexible. You can make it yours by changing proteins or grains. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with the recip
