Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple and Brown Sugar is a vibrant, comforting dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Tender chicken is coated in a glossy teriyaki-style sauce, enriched with brown sugar and brightened by juicy pineapple. This recipe is especially appealing because it feels indulgent while still being easy enough for a weeknight meal. I enjoy how the pineapple naturally tenderizes the chicken and adds bursts of freshness in every bite. When I first made this dish, I was impressed by how quickly the sauce thickened into a rich glaze without requiring complicated steps. Served over rice, it becomes a complete, satisfying meal that consistently earns compliments. It is approachable, family-friendly, and adaptable, making it a reliable addition to any home cooking rotation.
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Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple and Brown Sugar – Sweet and Savory Island Flavor
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A sweet and savory Hawaiian-style dish featuring tender chicken glazed in a rich teriyaki sauce with brown sugar and juicy pineapple for a perfect balance of tropical flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides and nearly cooked through.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken and add pineapple chunks.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir into the sauce.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked.
- Spoon sauce over chicken to coat well.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
- Serve hot over rice or with vegetables.
Notes
- Chicken thighs provide extra juiciness, but breasts work well too.
- For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken before adding to the sauce.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing brown sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken thighs or chicken breasts
Chicken provides the hearty protein base. Thighs remain especially juicy, while breasts offer a leaner option.
Pineapple chunks
Pineapple adds natural sweetness and acidity, creating the signature Hawaiian-inspired flavor.
Soy sauce
Soy sauce forms the salty backbone of the teriyaki-style sauce and balances the sweetness.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar adds depth and caramel-like richness, helping the sauce thicken beautifully.
Garlic
Garlic contributes savory warmth and enhances the overall complexity of the dish.
Fresh ginger
Ginger adds subtle heat and brightness, complementing both the chicken and pineapple.
Rice vinegar
Rice vinegar provides gentle acidity that prevents the sauce from tasting overly sweet.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch thickens the sauce into a glossy glaze that coats the chicken evenly.
Water
Water helps dissolve the cornstarch and balance the sauce consistency.
Sesame oil
Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and authentic finishing touch.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used for cooking the chicken and preventing sticking.
Green onions
Green onions add freshness and color when used as a garnish.
Directions
Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and patting them dry with paper towels. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly golden and cooked through, turning occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the mixture into the same skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. As the sauce heats, it will begin to thicken.
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the pineapple chunks. Stir well to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to cling to the chicken. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 25 minutes, making the total time around 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
Variations and Customizations
This dish is highly adaptable. You can substitute chicken with shrimp for a faster-cooking seafood version or use tofu for a plant-based alternative. Adding vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli increases color and nutrition.
For a spicier variation, add red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili paste to the sauce. If you prefer a deeper caramelized flavor, allow the sauce to simmer slightly longer until it thickens further. You can also use fresh pineapple for brighter flavor or canned pineapple for convenience.
Serving this dish over jasmine rice, brown rice, or even noodles allows flexibility based on preference. These variations maintain the essence of the recipe while allowing personal adjustments.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 34 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 920 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do not overcrowd the pan
Cooking chicken in batches ensures proper browning.
Whisk the sauce thoroughly
This prevents cornstarch lumps and ensures even thickening.
Taste before serving
Adjust sweetness or saltiness to your preference.
Add pineapple at the end
This keeps it juicy and prevents it from becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, canned pineapple works well and is very convenient.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and retains its flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes, grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor and pairs well with the sauce.
What rice pairs best with this dish?
Jasmine rice or steamed white rice works best.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce the brown sugar slightly or replace part of it with honey.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple and Brown Sugar is a flavorful, comforting recipe that brings sweet and savory elements together in perfect balance. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it is an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.
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