Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken – Easy Dinner Recipe

Bring the taste of the tropics to your dinner table with this vibrant and easy one-pan Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken. Tender chicken bites are seared and coated in a sweet-and-savory pineapple glaze made from real pineapple juice, honey, and coconut aminos or soy sauce, with a hint of spice and ginger. Juicy pineapple chunks add a fresh burst of flavor, and when served over rice with steamed broccoli, this dish becomes a complete, satisfying, and healthier alternative to takeout.

Ingredients

Serves 4

For the Pineapple Sauce:

• ¾ cup pineapple juice

• ¼ cup coconut aminos (or soy sauce)

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

For the Chicken:

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced

• 3 tablespoons chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch (or tapioca starch or cornstarch)

Optional for Serving:

• Cooked white or brown rice

• Steamed broccoli

• Sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), honey, hot sauce, and ground ginger. Set aside.

2. Sear the Chicken
   Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add to skillet in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

3. Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce
   Lower heat to medium. Add prepared sauce to the pan, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Cook the Chicken in Sauce
   Return the chicken to the pan. Stir to coat and simmer for about 3 more minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

5. Thicken the Glaze
   Mix chicken broth and arrowroot starch in a small bowl until smooth. Push chicken to the side of the pan and stir in the slurry. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

6. Add Pineapple
   Stir in the diced pineapple and cook for 1 minute until warmed through. Remove from heat.

7. Serve
   Spoon over rice, add steamed broccoli on the side, and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 340 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 21 g

• Protein: 37 g

• Fat: 12 g

• Saturated Fat: 2 g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g

• Trans Fat: 0.02 g

• Cholesterol: 109 mg

• Sodium: 1187 mg

• Potassium: 743 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 13 g

• Vitamin A: 80 IU

• Vitamin C: 27 mg

• Calcium: 23 mg

• Iron: 1 mg

Why This Dish Works

Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken stands out because of its balance. It’s the perfect example of how sweet and savory can co-exist in harmony. Every bite offers a contrast: juicy fruit with tender protein, sweetness with saltiness, and light citrus notes with the earthiness of ginger and soy.

Another reason for its popularity is its simplicity. With just one pan, you create a dish that looks and tastes impressive but requires minimal cleanup. From searing the chicken to simmering the glaze, everything happens in one skillet, saving time and effort in the kitchen.

It’s also versatile—serve it over rice or noodles, adjust the spice level to suit your palate, or load it up with veggies for a more nutritious twist.

Healthier Than Takeout

Compared to typical restaurant or takeout dishes that often rely on excessive oils, sugar, and sodium, this homemade version is significantly healthier. You control what goes in, and there’s no need for additives or preservatives. The use of lean chicken breast, a light honey-based glaze, and whole food ingredients makes this a balanced meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Coconut aminos offer a gluten-free and lower-sodium alternative to soy sauce, and arrowroot starch provides a gentle thickening agent without the heaviness of flour-based roux or added fats. When served with steamed vegetables and whole grains like brown rice or quinoa, the dish becomes even more nutrient-dense.

The Role of Pineapple

Pineapple is not only the star flavor in this dish but also a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants, pineapple supports immune function, aids digestion through its natural enzyme bromelain, and adds hydration and fiber to your diet.

From a culinary standpoint, pineapple brings a bright, zesty quality that lightens the entire meal. When it’s warmed and caramelized slightly in the skillet, its sugars deepen, contributing a delicious glaze-like texture that coats the chicken perfectly.

Customization Ideas

One of the best aspects of this dish is its flexibility. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, following a specific diet, or just experimenting with new ingredients, Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken is easily adaptable:

• Make it spicy: Add more hot sauce or toss in fresh chili slices for those who love heat.

• Go tropical: Include additional tropical fruits like mango or papaya chunks.

• Add crunch: Toss in cashews or toasted sesame seeds for texture.

• Go low-carb: Serve it over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage slaw instead of grains.

• Add veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini can be stir-fried alongside the chicken for a more complete one-pan meal.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This dish holds up extremely well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Cook a large batch, portion it out into containers with rice and veggies, and enjoy tropical flavors all week long.

The sauce stays glossy and flavorful even after reheating, and the chicken remains tender thanks to the juicy glaze. Just be sure to store it in airtight containers and consume within 3 to 4 days for best results.

If you’re planning to freeze it, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the rice or vegetables to maintain optimal texture upon reheating.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation

Presentation is half the fun when it comes to a dish inspired by Hawaii. While a simple bowl of white or brown rice will always do the trick, you can elevate the meal with a few creative ideas:

• Serve in pineapple boats: Hollow out a pineapple and spoon the chicken mixture into the shell for an Instagram-worthy dish that’s perfect for summer parties or themed dinners.

• Add garnishes: A sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or fresh cilantro adds contrast in both flavor and appearance.

• Pair with sides: Think tropical—macaroni salad, coconut rice, or a tangy cucumber slaw pair beautifully.

• Make it a bowl: Layer grains, vegetables, and pineapple chicken for a vibrant and healthy rice bowl.

A Family Favorite

This is a dish the whole family can enjoy. The subtle sweetness makes it appealing to kids, while the complexity of flavors keeps adults coming back for more. It’s also easy to adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the hot sauce, so it’s a safe bet for picky eaters or spice lovers alike.

If you’re hosting a dinner and need a crowd-pleaser, this chicken dish is dependable, quick to prepare, and looks fantastic on the plate. You can even prepare the sauce in advance and marinate the chicken for a few hours for even more depth of flavor.

Sustainability and Ingredient Swaps

For those concerned about sustainability or food sensitivities, this dish can be made even more conscious:

• Use organic or pasture-raised chicken to reduce your environmental impact and support ethical farming practices.

• Swap honey for maple syrup if you’re vegan or prefer a different kind of sweetness.

• Choose low-sodium or gluten-free soy sauce alternatives if you’re watching your sodium intake or have dietary restrictions.

• Substitute avocado oil with any high-heat neutral oil like grapeseed or even olive oil, depending on what’s available.

These small adjustments make the dish more inclusive while still keeping it delicious.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary escape to the islands. With its vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and flexible preparation, it checks every box: easy, delicious, nutritious, and visually appealing. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or serving guests at a tropical-themed gathering, this dish brings warmth, sweetness, and satisfaction to the table.

Its universal appeal lies in its simplicity and balance. Every forkful offers tender chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze with bursts of pineapple, all complemented by a base of fluffy rice and crisp veggies. It’s proof that with a few fresh ingredients and minimal effort, you can create something truly special.

If you’re looking for a new favorite dinner idea or a healthy spin on takeout classics, Hawaiian Honey Pineapple Chicken is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. Give it a try—you might just feel like you’ve been whisked away to a sunny beachside paradise, one bite at a time.