Hawaiian Supper
A vibrant Hawaiian-inspired dish combining tender chicken, ham, pineapple, and colorful peppers in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 1/4 oz.) chunk pineapple in juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. cooked ham, thin strips ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. uncooked chicken, thin strips ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, cut in strips ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sliced scallions (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain pineapple juice into a measuring cup, then add water to make 1 1/2 cups.
- Stir the measured liquid, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl.
- Heat margarine in a large skillet. Cook and stir the ham, chicken, green pepper, scallions, and garlic powder until the chicken is lightly browned.
- Stir the juice mixture to blend, then pour into the skillet.
- Bring to a boil.
- Stir in pineapple and rice; cover and cook.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a touch of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet. If you're short on time, pre-cooked chicken can be used instead of raw chicken strips. You can substitute the brown sugar with honey for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, swap the ham and chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a fresh green salad. Consider serving with a side of roasted vegetables for added nutrition. For a tropical twist, serve with coconut rice or pair with a refreshing fruit salad. This can also be a delightful main dish for lunch or dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to create steam, or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Supper contains roughly 775 calories, with 11g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1178mg per serving (51% 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 fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple can be used for a fresher taste. Just be sure to chop it into similar-sized chunks as the canned version. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe, as fresh pineapple will not have juice to drain.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
You can use an equal amount of arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour as a substitute for cornstarch. However, if using flour, you may want to cook it a bit longer to remove the raw taste and ensure the sauce thickens properly.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Hawaiian Supper is great for meal prep. Just prepare the dish as directed, let it cool completely, and then portion it out into containers. It reheats well and makes for a delicious lunch option throughout the week.
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).