Quick And Easy Hawaiian Chicken
A quick and flavorful Hawaiian chicken dish featuring tender chicken thighs and breasts coated in a sweet apricot and pineapple glaze with savory soy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Arrange chicken in a large casserole dish and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and turn chicken over.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce and apricot preserves for a few hours before baking. If you don't have apricot preserves, peach or mango preserves work well as substitutes. You can also use chicken breasts alone for a leaner option, but thighs provide more juiciness. Consider adding some ginger or garlic to the sauce for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian chicken pairs beautifully with Real Spanish Rice, which complements the sweet and savory flavors of the dish. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a tropical touch, consider adding grilled pineapple on the side to enhance the dish's fruity elements.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Hawaiian chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Easy Hawaiian Chicken contains roughly 769 calories, with 7g protein, 198g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2315mg per serving (101% 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 cooking to ensure even baking. You can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
For a vegetarian option, consider using tofu or tempeh marinated in the same apricot and soy sauce mixture. Bake them the same way as the chicken for a delicious plant-based alternative that still captures the sweet and savory flavors.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, place the chicken, apricot preserves, soy sauce, and pineapple chunks in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
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).