Joanne'S Hawaiian Chicken
Juicy chicken pieces glazed with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with tropical flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a shallow roasting pan.
- Roll chicken pieces in melted butter until well coated.
- Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the pan.
- Reserve 2 slices of pineapple for garnishing.
- Dice the remaining pineapple slices.
- Mix pineapple juice with remaining ingredients (brown sugar, salt, Worcestershire sauce, chili sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, catsup, and cornstarch).
- Cook the mixture until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Add drained pineapple pieces to the sauce.
- Spoon half of the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and bake in a moderate oven at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 30 to 45 minutes or until chicken is tender, basting occasionally with remaining sauce.
- Arrange cooked chicken on a hot platter.
- Cut reserved pineapple slices in half and twist each half to make an "S" shape.
- Place pineapple garnishes on the chicken platter.
- Garnish with parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the butter and pineapple juice mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be used as a substitute. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat. For a twist, integrate some diced bell peppers or onions into the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian chicken pairs beautifully with Baked Spiced Carrots and steamed rice for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or macaroni and cheese (Newfie Style) for added comfort. Don’t forget to drizzle some extra sauce over the rice for a flavorful touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Hawaiian chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish with a splash of water or chicken broth, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joanne'S Hawaiian Chicken contains roughly 308 calories, with 2g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), and potassium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2076mg per serving (90% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Boneless pieces will typically cook faster, so start checking for doneness after about 20-25 minutes of baking.
What can I substitute for the brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses to replicate the flavor. Alternatively, honey or maple syrup can provide a different, yet delicious, sweetness.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To prepare Hawaiian chicken in a slow cooker, combine the ingredients as directed and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method will result in tender, flavorful chicken that easily falls off the bone.
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).