As the aroma of sizzling chicken wafts through my kitchen, it instantly transports me to a sun-drenched Hawaiian beach. This Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken recipe captures that feeling, combining tender chicken with a deliciously sweet and tangy sauce. The standout flavors of pineapple and colorful bell peppers not only brighten up the dish but also make it a family favorite. What I love most is how quick it is to whip up; dinner can be on the table in no time, allowing you to savor an island-inspired meal without the hassle. Plus, it’s remarkably kid-friendly—my little ones can’t resist that sweet taste! So, are you ready to embark on a tropical escape right from your dining room? Let’s get cooking!
Why is this chicken recipe so special?
Quick and Easy: This Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken comes together in minimal time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Tropical Flavor Sensation: The medley of pineapple and bell peppers brings a vibrant, sunny flavor to your table.
Kid-Friendly: With its sweet taste, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters!
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, quinoa, or toss it into wraps to enjoy a variety of meals throughout the week. For a comforting side, consider serving with deliciously sweet potato or cheesy broccoli for a well-rounded dinner.
Flavor that Stays: The leftovers taste even better the next day, making your meal prep worthwhile! Dive into this flavorful dish and experience a taste of the tropics in your home.
Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Ingredients
A delightful collection of tropical flavors awaits!
For the Chicken
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – The star protein that keeps this dish tender and juicy.
- Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust your amounts to enhance the flavor beautifully.
- Cornstarch – Creates a crispy coating; swap for flour if you prefer a different texture.
- Large eggs – Binds the cornstarch for a scrumptious crust; a flax egg is a great vegan alternative.
- Vegetable oil – Ideal for frying; using olive oil can elevate the health quotient.
For the Sauce
- Pineapple juice – Provides sweet acidity, perfectly balancing the rich flavors; fresh juice can uplift your dish.
- Brown sugar – Adds richness to the sauce; honey or agave syrup works wonders as substitutes.
- Low-sodium soy sauce – A flavor enhancer that brings depth; tamari is a nice gluten-free option.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for that aromatic punch; in a hurry? Garlic powder will do.
- Additional cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce; the same substitutes apply for versatility.
For the Vegetables
- Red bell pepper – Adds vibrant color and crunch; feel free to experiment with green bell pepper instead.
- Pineapple tidbits (canned) – For that delightful combination of texture and sweetness; fresh pineapple chunks are an excellent swap.
This Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken is sure to turn an ordinary dinner into a tropical feast!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it warms up, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it lightly with oil to prevent sticking. This ensures your Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken will bake evenly and release easily once it’s done.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Take the boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating. This step enhances the flavor and prepares the chicken for the crispy coating, setting a solid foundation for the delicious sauce to come.
Step 3: Set Up Breading Stations
Prepare a two-bowl setup for the breading: one bowl for cornstarch and another for the beaten eggs. This allows for an efficient coating process; the cornstarch will give your Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken its crispy exterior while the egg acts as a binder.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each chicken piece in the cornstarch, ensuring it’s well-coated. Next, dip the coated chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. This method guarantees a crispy texture that perfectly complements the sweet sauce you’ll create later.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each piece until golden-brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step adds a crispy layer, enhancing the overall flavor of your Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken.
Step 6: Arrange the Chicken
Once golden, transfer the crispy chicken pieces into the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly. This arrangement allows for optimal heat circulation, ensuring that every bite of your Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken is cooked to perfection.
Step 7: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and additional cornstarch until well combined. This mixture creates a rich, flavorful sauce that will envelop your chicken, bringing that iconic Hawaiian sweetness to the dish.
Step 8: Add Vegetables and Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the baking dish, ensuring an even distribution. Top with the chopped red bell pepper and pineapple tidbits. These ingredients will add vibrant colors, crunch, and additional sweetness to your Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken.
Step 9: Bake the Dish
Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Remember to stir every 15 minutes to maximize flavor distribution and sauce coating. By the end, your chicken should be tender and beautifully glazed with that luscious Hawaiian sauce.
Step 10: Let it Rest
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that your Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken remains juicy and full of flavor for a delicious family meal.
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken pieces are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can marinate the chicken in the sauce up to 12 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply. Additionally, you can pre-cut the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply coat the marinated chicken and proceed with the frying and baking instructions as described in the original recipe. For best results, ensure you prep the chicken and sauce separately to maintain quality, and stir every 15 minutes while baking to keep that delicious sauce evenly distributed. Enjoy a tropical dinner that’s just as delightful with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
Looking to create a tropical feast that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the heart?
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice complements the sweet and savory chicken perfectly, soaking up every drop of sauce. It’s a classic that balances the flavors beautifully.
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Cheesy Broccoli: A comforting side with a deliciously creamy texture, the mild taste of broccoli pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of the chicken. Plus, it adds a nutritious, colorful element to your plate.
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Grilled Pineapple Skewers: Enhance the Hawaiian theme by adding caramelized, sweet pineapple on skewers. Their smoky sweetness echoes the chicken while bringing a bit of fun to your meal.
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Coconut Rice: Infusing jasmine rice with coconut milk gives it a rich, tropical flavor. It acts as a delightful counterpoint to the tangy notes of the chicken, creating a harmonious dish.
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Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potato adds a subtle sweetness and an earthy flavor that complements the dish well. It’s nutritious and creates a vibrant contrast on the plate.
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Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with crisp cucumbers, lime juice, and cilantro cuts through the richness of the chicken, providing a refreshing crunch with each bite.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: Pair your meal with a chilled drink to balance the sweetness of the chicken. A zesty lemonade or refreshing iced tea can brighten the overall experience.
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Coconut Macaroons: For dessert, these chewy coconut treats echo the tropical theme delightfully. Their sweet, toasty flavors are the perfect finish to a Hawaiian-inspired meal.
How to Store and Freeze Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This preserves the flavor and keeps the chicken juicy, perfect for a quick meal later.
Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing to maintain optimal texture and taste.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave if you’re short on time. Enjoy that flavorful Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken just like the first time!
Expert Tips for Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
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Avoid Crowding: Fry the chicken in batches in the skillet to achieve a crispy texture; overcrowding can result in soggy chicken.
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Perfect Sauce Stirring: Stir the chicken every 15 minutes while baking to guarantee even sauce distribution; this ensures every piece is coated beautifully.
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Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking; this step helps the juices redistribute for the juiciest Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken.
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Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken; if it’s too sweet for your preference, add a splash of soy sauce to balance flavors.
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Opt for Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh pineapple juice and garlic if possible; they significantly enhance the flavors in your Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken.
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Explore Substitutions: Customize the recipe by substituting chicken with shrimp or tofu, maintaining the delicious Hawaiian flavors that make this dish a family favorite.
Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Variations
Feel free to mix and match while preparing this dish for your family, transforming it to suit your taste buds.
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Shrimp or Tofu: Swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a tasty twist that’s perfect for seafood or vegetarian lovers. Both add their unique flavors, making the dish adaptable for any dietary preference.
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Fresh Vegetables: Toss in broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition. These vibrant veggies will not only enhance the dish’s color but also bring a fresh crunch with every bite.
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Quinoa Base: Serve over fluffy quinoa instead of rice for a wholesome, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sauce. Quinoa’s texture adds a delightful layer to your meal.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños to the sauce for a fiery touch. A little heat can elevate the tropical flavors, creating a delightful contrast.
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Cooked Pineapple: Grill or sauté fresh pineapple chunks before mixing them in. This caramelizes their sugars, enhancing the sweetness and bringing out an even more tropical flavor.
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Citrus Boost: Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the dish before serving for a zesty finish. It brightens up the sweet flavors, giving your meal an extra burst of freshness.
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Coconut Cream Sauce: Mix a bit of coconut cream into your sauce for a rich, tropical twist. This adds a velvety texture that complements the sweetness perfectly.
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Wrap it Up: Use the chicken mixture as a filling for wraps or sandwiches, adding your favorite toppings. This variation makes for a fabulous, on-the-go lunch option that the kids will love too.
If you’re looking for more comfort in your meals, try pairing this with a side of cheesy broccoli or some deliciously sweet potato casserole. These combinations will round out your family dinner perfectly!
Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe pineapples for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing fresh pineapples, look for a firm, sweet aroma at the base. The skin should be golden with a few brown spots but not too much soft blemishing. If you press on the skin, it should bounce back gently. No excessive dark spots or indication of overripeness—these can lead to a sour taste.
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How should I store leftovers of Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the chicken cool down to room temperature before sealing it. This helps maintain its juicy texture and flavor, making it ready for quick reheating at your convenience.
Can I freeze Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken and for how long?
Yes, you certainly can! To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely and then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best results, label the bags with the date so you can keep track of freshness!
What should I do if the sauce seems too thick while baking?
If you find the sauce thickening too much, simply add a splash of water or pineapple juice to the dish and stir it gently. This not only helps achieve the desired consistency but also enhances the tropical flavors. Stir the chicken every 15 minutes to ensure an even coating.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes! If you have allergies, be cautious with the soy sauce, as it contains wheat. For gluten-free alternatives, tamari sauce is a great substitute. Also, for those with egg allergies, a flax egg can replace the large eggs in the coating process. Enjoy the flavors while keeping dietary needs in mind!
How long can I marinate the chicken in the sauce before cooking?
You can absolutely marinate the chicken in the sauce for up to 12 hours in advance. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, enhancing the sweetness and tanginess. Simply cover the chicken and refrigerate it, then proceed with the recipe as usual when you’re ready to cook. Enjoy your tropical escape!
Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken That'll Brighten Your Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a baking pan lightly with oil.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper.
- Set up two bowls: one for cornstarch and another for beaten eggs.
- Dredge chicken pieces in cornstarch, then dip in beaten eggs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, fry chicken until golden-brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to the baking dish evenly.
- Whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and additional cornstarch in a bowl.
- Pour sauce over chicken, top with red bell pepper and pineapple tidbits.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving.
