Chicken Wakiki Beach
A tropical-inspired chicken dish featuring sweet pineapple and tangy sauce, perfect for those who enjoy flavorful, comforting meals with a hint of Asian flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the chicken; don't dry.
- Salt, pepper, and flour the chicken pieces.
- Toss the chicken in flour.
- Brown the chicken in oil.
- Place the browned chicken in a baking dish.
- Pour pineapple juice into a 2-cup measuring cup.
- Add water to the juice to make 2 cups of liquid (you may use full-strength juice).
- Pour the pineapple juice mixture into a saucepan.
- Add sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, soy sauce, and the chicken bouillon cube to the saucepan.
- Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- During the last 30 minutes of baking, place pineapple rings on top of the chicken.
- Serve the chicken with pineapple rings over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crisper texture, consider frying the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. If you don't have cider vinegar, white vinegar or lemon juice can work as substitutes. To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken in the pineapple juice mixture for a couple of hours before baking. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, making it a perfect complement to Chicken Chevre Patisserie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Wakiki Beach over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a colorful plate, add steamed broccoli or a fresh salad on the side. This dish is also fantastic with a tropical fruit salsa to enhance the pineapple flavor. Browse more chicken recipes for additional ideas to complete your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat to keep the chicken moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Wakiki Beach contains roughly 450 calories, with 8g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and iron (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2548mg per serving (111% 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 chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and will work well in this recipe. They tend to stay juicier than chicken breasts and will absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may require less time to cook through.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. You could also add sliced jalapeños or other spicy peppers along with the green pepper for an extra kick. Adjust to your personal heat preference for the best results.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply combine them in a baking dish and bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld and can save you time on busy days.
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).