Chicken Waikiki
A sweet and savory Hawaiian-inspired chicken dish featuring pineapple, tomato sauce, and rice, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chicken in oil and drain.
- Mix 1/4 cup pineapple liquid with tomato sauce and vinegar.
- Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and cornstarch.
- Simmer until the sauce is clear and thick.
- Add pineapple chunks and stir constantly.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Serve over hot rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer, you can substitute the frying chicken with boneless, skinless thighs for a quicker prep time. For a healthier twist, use brown rice instead of white rice. Experiment with adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to enhance the dish's nutrition and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Waikiki over a bed of hot cooked rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced dinner. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside Rice With Fried Vermicelli, which complements the flavors well. Garnish with fresh pineapple or green onions for an extra pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat and warm gently, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture. You can also use a microwave, covered, for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Waikiki contains roughly 1349 calories, with 19g protein, 321g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2915mg per serving (127% 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 a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for frying chicken, you can easily substitute it with boneless chicken breasts, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the protein you choose to ensure it's cooked through.
What can I do if my sauce isn’t thickening?
If your sauce isn’t thickening as expected, make a slurry by mixing an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook until it thickens to your desired consistency. Make sure to simmer the sauce long enough to activate the cornstarch fully.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Waikiki ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce, then cool and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce together and serve over freshly cooked rice for a quick meal that tastes as good as freshly made.
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).