Chicken Hawaii
Chicken Hawaii offers a savory blend of tender chicken, pineapple, and soy sauce with a hint of ginger, perfect for those craving a sweet and tangy tropical-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a large bowl.
- Combine soy sauce, grated onion, and ginger in a separate bowl.
- Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour, turning the chicken to coat all sides.
- Drain the chicken and coat with cornstarch, reserving the marinade sauce.
- Place margarine in a large baking dish.
- Add the chicken breasts, skin side down, to the baking dish.
- Bake for 40 minutes at 350°F until the bottom side is well browned.
- Turn the chicken over.
- Combine pineapple chunks with their liquid, lemon juice, and the reserved sauce from marinade.
- Pour the pineapple mixture over the chicken.
- Bake for an additional 30 to 40 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding bell peppers or snap peas to the pineapple mixture for added texture and color. If you want a healthier alternative to margarine, use olive oil instead. Make sure to marinate the chicken for the full hour to enhance the flavors. You can also substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result, or use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Hawaii over a bed of steamed rice or alongside a fresh green salad for a light meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Rice For Fried Chicken, making it perfect for a family dinner. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness, and consider a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and pineapple mixture in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals until warm, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Hawaii contains roughly 398 calories, with 26g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1326mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely before marinating. This ensures even flavor absorption and proper cooking. For quicker thawing, place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour, changing the water halfway through.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as a substitute. Keep in mind that arrowroot will give a slightly different texture. For a gluten-free option, tapioca starch works well too, helping to create a crispy coating on the chicken.
How do I know when the chicken is done baking?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. Additionally, the juices should run clear, and the chicken should be tender when pierced with a fork.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).