5 Easy Hawaiian Chicken Recipes You'll Love

How to Make Traditional Hawaiian Chicken

Traditional Hawaiian chicken, known as Huli Huli Chicken, offers a burst of tropical flavors and is a staple at Hawaiian luaus. Here’s how you can bring this dish to your dinner table:

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, split in half
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• ³⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 3 tablespoons sherry or apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• Fresh pineapple rings and green onions for garnish

Preparation Steps

1. Marinate: Combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl. Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag and pour in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid for basting. Grill the chicken skin-side down for about 6-8 minutes per side, basting frequently with the marinade.
3. Finish: Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the last 5 minutes of grilling, add pineapple rings to the grill to caramelize them lightly.
4. Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then carve. Serve with grilled pineapple and garnish with green onions.

🔥 Note: Be cautious not to burn the marinade while basting; keep an eye on the flame and manage it accordingly.

Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken

Using an Instant Pot, you can prepare a delightful Pineapple Chicken dish that’s tender and infused with the flavors of Hawaii.

Ingredients

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, juice reserved
• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce
• ¹⁄₄ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Steps

1. Sauté: Select “Sauté” on the Instant Pot, add sesame oil, and when hot, add chicken to brown lightly on both sides. Remove chicken.
2. Combine: In the pot, mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Return chicken to the pot with pineapple chunks and bell pepper.
3. Cook: Secure the lid, set valve to “Sealing”, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. After cooking, do a quick release.
4. Thicken Sauce: Turn on “Sauté” again, add the cornstarch mixture, and stir until the sauce thickens. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

⏱️ Note: The Instant Pot makes this recipe quick and easy, but always ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.

Crock-Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

For those seeking simplicity without sacrificing flavor, this Crock-Pot Hawaiian Chicken is the perfect recipe:

Ingredients

• 6 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 can (14 oz) pineapple chunks, juice reserved
• ¹⁄₂ cup brown sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup soy sauce
• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 cups water

Instructions

1. Layer in Crock-Pot: Place chicken in the bottom of the Crock-Pot. In a bowl, mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, broth, garlic, and ginger. Pour over the chicken.
2. Add Veggies: Add pineapple chunks, onion, and bell pepper. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Make Coconut Rice: While chicken cooks, prepare rice. In a saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Let rest off heat for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
4. Serve: Serve the chicken over coconut rice with a scoop of the cooking liquid as sauce.

🍍 Note: The coconut rice pairs wonderfully with the sweet, tangy flavors of the chicken, enhancing the overall dish.

Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

These skewers are perfect for BBQs, infusing grilled flavors with the essence of Hawaii:

Ingredients

• 1 ¹⁄₂ lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 1 large pineapple, cut into chunks
• ¹⁄₂ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Skewers
• Green onions, chopped for garnish

Preparation

1. Marinate: Mix teriyaki sauce, honey, sesame oil, and garlic. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Assemble Skewers: Thread chicken and pineapple alternately onto skewers.
3. Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers, turning occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Garnish: Sprinkle with green onions before serving.

🔔 Note: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.

Baked Hawaiian Chicken and Rice

A one-pan wonder that’s simple yet packs a punch of flavor:

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups long-grain white rice
• 2 ¹⁄₂ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• ¹⁄₂ cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat Oven: To 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
3. Assemble: Spread rice evenly in a greased baking dish. Pour half of the sauce over the rice, stir to coat. Arrange chicken pieces on top, skin side up. Pour remaining sauce over chicken.
4. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, add bell pepper and pineapple, and bake for another 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked and rice is tender.
5. Garnish: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

🥘 Note: This recipe can easily be adapted for vegetarians by substituting chicken with tofu or extra vegetables.

In these recipes, you’ve discovered a variety of ways to infuse your meals with the spirit of Hawaii. Whether you’re grilling under the summer sun or cooking a slow dish for a cozy night, these Hawaiian chicken recipes offer a delightful escape to a tropical paradise. They’re not just about the ingredients but the spirit of aloha they bring to your table, making every meal a celebration of flavors, community, and love for food.