Introduction: The Flavorful Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Escape the ordinary and transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this incredibly easy Hawaiian Chicken Dinner! This recipe is a vibrant celebration of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, combining juicy chicken breasts with the sunshine of pineapple, the crispness of bell peppers, and a luscious glaze that will have everyone clamoring for seconds. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm, comforting experience perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering. What truly sets this dish apart is its incredible balance – the slight sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar is perfectly offset by the savory depth of the soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. The bell peppers add a fantastic textural element, contributing a satisfying crunch with every bite. This isn’t your typical chicken recipe; it’s an adventure for your palate, a dish that effortlessly elevates a simple meal into something truly special. It’s incredibly adaptable too – you can easily swap out the bell peppers for your favorite vegetables, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra kick. The best part? It takes just minutes to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy the delicious results. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen – the tantalizing scent of pineapple, ginger, and garlic mingling together, promising a delightful and unforgettable dining experience. This recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a truly outstanding meal. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down from kitchens to kitchens, each adding their own little twist, but all sharing the same core philosophy: simple ingredients, expertly combined, to create a harmonious explosion of flavor. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create this incredible dish. Delicious Chicken Recipes offer fantastic variations, but this one remains a cornerstone. Don’t just take our word for it – get ready to impress your family and friends with this truly remarkable Hawaiian Chicken Dinner! Pineapple Recipes show just how versatile this tropical fruit can be. Chicken Recipes are abundant and varied, but this Hawaiian variation stands apart for its exceptional flavor profile.
Ingredients: Everything You Need for This Delicious Meal
Let’s gather everything you’ll need to create this truly sensational Hawaiian Chicken Dinner – a dish that’s both easy to make and bursting with tropical flavor. This recipe focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients, which significantly elevates the taste. You’ll need approximately 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts – chicken breasts (look for good quality, free-range if possible!) These will be cut into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch in size. Don’t be tempted to use bone-in chicken, as it takes significantly longer to cook and won’t yield the same tender result. Next, you’ll require one standard 20-ounce can of pineapple chunks, juice reserved – pineapple chunks Make sure the juice is reserved, because it’s a crucial component of the sweet and tangy sauce. Approximately 3 large bell peppers, in any color you prefer – bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, or green – they all contribute a lovely flavor and vibrant color). These should be cut into similarly sized chunks as the chicken. For the savory base of the sauce, you’ll need 1/2 cup of low-sodium soy sauce – soy sauce (a good quality soy sauce will make a big difference), ½ cup of packed light brown sugar – brown sugar, ½ cup of ketchup – ketchup, ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat!), 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, minced – ginger, 2 cloves of garlic, minced – garlic, and 2 tablespoons of canola oil – canola oil. Finally, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch – cornstarch is added to thicken the sauce, creating a beautiful, glossy finish. Consider also adding a small piece of fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks, for an extra intense pineapple flavor! The quantity of cornstarch can be adjusted depending on your desired sauce thickness. You will also need a staple ingredient, white rice, such as Jasmine rice Jasmine rice to serve, or another rice of your choice. Don’t forget any standard cooking staples, such as salt and pepper, to season the chicken to your preference. Always double-check your pantry before starting to make sure you have everything on hand. The quality of the ingredients really shines through in this dish, so splurge on a few premium items if possible – it’s absolutely worth it!
Instructions: A Simple Guide to Cooking Perfect Hawaiian Chicken
Let’s get cooking! This Hawaiian Chicken recipe is surprisingly easy, even for beginner cooks. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying a delicious, vibrant meal in under an hour.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cubing your chicken breasts – approximately 1-inch pieces work perfectly. Pat them dry with a paper towel; this helps them brown beautifully. Place the cubed chicken into a bowl and season lightly with a pinch of black pepper. While you’re prepping the chicken, you can also chop your bell peppers. Aim for a mix of colors for visual appeal – red, yellow, and orange peppers are fantastic choices. Dicing them into roughly 1-inch pieces ensures they cook evenly with the chicken.
Step 2: Building the Flavor Base
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of canola oil – it adds a lovely richness to the dish. Once the oil is shimmering, add the cubed chicken to the skillet. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, cook the chicken in batches to ensure proper browning. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sautéing the Vegetables
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped bell peppers to the same skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they start to soften slightly. You want them to retain a little bit of crunch – they won’t become completely mushy. Adding a splash of water (about 1/4 cup) to the pan while the peppers are cooking helps them steam and soften faster.
Step 4: Creating the Sweet and Savory Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (approximately 1/2 cup) – look for a good quality, naturally brewed soy sauce for the best flavor, brown sugar (1/2 cup), ketchup (1/2 cup), minced ginger (1 tablespoon – freshly grated is always better than powdered!), and minced garlic (2 cloves). This is where the magic happens! The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory creates an incredible base for the entire dish.
Step 5: Bringing it All Together
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the bell peppers. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6: The Cornstarch Finishing Touch
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of pineapple juice (reserved from the can). Slowly pour this cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. This is the secret ingredient that creates a luscious, glossy coating on the chicken and vegetables. Continue to simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Be careful not to overcook the sauce, as it can become too thick.
Step 7: Serving and Enjoying
Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Hawaiian Chicken immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. For an extra touch, you can add a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal! Consider pairing it with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the sweet and savory flavors. Don’t forget to store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent the sauce from drying out.
Nutritional Information: Calories, Carbs, Fat, and Protein Breakdown
Let’s break down the nutritional value of this delightful Hawaiian Chicken Dinner. This recipe, brimming with juicy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet, tangy pineapple, isn’t just a treat for the taste buds but also a reasonably balanced meal. A single serving (approximately 4 servings) provides a good source of protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
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Calories: Approximately 437 calories per serving. This is primarily due to the chicken, pineapple, and a moderate amount of brown sugar and soy sauce. The total calorie count can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. calorie tracker
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Carbohydrates: Around 49 grams per serving. The majority of this comes from the pineapple – a natural source of carbohydrates – alongside the rice (if served with rice), which contributes significantly to the carbohydrate content. carb counter
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Fat: Roughly 11 grams per serving. This mainly originates from the chicken and the small amount of canola oil used for sautéing. It’s a relatively low-fat option, especially considering the rich flavor and vibrant ingredients. fat calculator
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Protein: Approximately 37 grams per serving. The chicken is the star, providing a substantial amount of lean protein, crucial for building and repairing tissues in the body. protein estimator
Important Note: These figures are estimates and may vary. For precise nutritional information, we strongly recommend using a food tracking app or entering the specific ingredients and quantities you’ve used into a nutrition calculator. USDA FoodData Central is a fantastic resource for detailed nutritional information on various foods.
Furthermore, this recipe offers a good balance of complex carbohydrates (from the pineapple and rice) alongside protein and healthy fats. It’s a satisfying and reasonably wholesome meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. To further customize your nutritional intake, you could experiment with different carbohydrate sources like brown rice or quinoa, and opt for leaner cuts of chicken. fitness tracker Ultimately, this Hawaiian Chicken Dinner provides a delicious way to incorporate valuable nutrients into your diet – just remember to enjoy it responsibly!
Nutritional Disclaimer: Important Information Regarding Nutritional Values
While we’ve crafted this Easy Hawaiian Chicken Dinner recipe with a focus on incredible flavor and simplicity, it’s crucial to understand that the nutritional information presented here is an estimate. Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Therefore, the calorie counts, macronutrient breakdowns (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins), and other nutritional values provided are based on averages and may vary significantly depending on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods.
For example, the type of pineapple chunks used (fresh versus canned), the brand of soy sauce selected, and the precise amount of brown sugar added can all impact the final nutritional profile. Similarly, the serving size is a guideline – adjusting it can directly affect the overall calorie count. It’s always recommended to consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized dietary advice, especially if you have specific health concerns or dietary restrictions, such as diabetes, allergies, or food sensitivities.
Furthermore, this nutritional information is purely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. We strongly advise against relying solely on these figures when making decisions about your health and wellness. We encourage you to utilize online nutritional calculators or apps for a more detailed assessment, factoring in all the details of your individual meal preparation. Always read food labels carefully and pay attention to serving sizes. Remember, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are key to overall well-being, and individual needs may vary. This recipe is intended as a delicious and enjoyable culinary experience, not a definitive nutritional guide. calories can be found on many websites, but these are often just an estimate.