Honolulu Chicken: A Taste of the Tropics
If you’ve ever dreamed of savouring the flavours of Hawaii, Honolulu Chicken is the perfect dish to transport your taste buds to the islands. This mouthwatering grilled chicken is marinated in tropical spices, pineapple juice, and soy sauce, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. What makes it even more appealing is its versatility—you can prepare it at home in a Dutch oven, on a stovetop, or over a campfire while camping. The sticky, caramelized exterior locks in all the flavours, making every bite an irresistible delight.
Honolulu Chicken pairs beautifully with coconut-infused rice, vibrant pineapple salsa, or even as part of a loaded Hawaiian sausage sub for a creative twist. Some enjoy it with a tuna poke bowl or a Hawaiian salmon poke bowl, while others prefer a Honolulu chicken burger topped with caramelized pineapple. Whether served over rice at the dinner table or transformed into Honolulu chicken rissoles, this dish captures the essence of island cuisine. With a simple cooking process and affordable ingredients, you can easily bring aete of paradise to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Honolulu Chicken
Honolulu Chicken is a favourite for many reasons, but its versatility truly sets it apart. Whether served with classic sides like macaroni salad, fluffy white rice, or even noodles and vegetables, it adapts effortlessly to different tastes and meal styles.
The dish’s signature marinade is a perfect blend of teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and pineapple juice, infusing the chicken with rich flavour. Combining garlic, ginger, and a sprinkle of furikake adds even more layers, elevating the dish from simple to sensational. The marinade seeps into the chicken, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender inside while the exterior remains crispy and caramelized.
But beyond its deliciousness, what draws people to Honolulu Chicken is its laid-back, tropical vibe. Whether enjoyed at home or served in a sandwich or wrap, it offers a taste of the islands—comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly satisfying.
Ingredients for Honolulu Chicken
Main Ingredients
- Chicken thighs or boneless chicken breasts are the base of the dish, and they are known for their juicy and tender texture.
- Barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and pineapple juice – The essential trio that creates the dish’s signature sweet and savoury glaze.
Flavor Enhancers
- Garlic cloves (minced) & brown onion (thinly sliced) – Enhances the depth of flavour.
- Green onions, shallots & bell peppers – Adds freshness and a slight crunch.
- Peach & mango jam or peach preserves – A touch of natural sweetness that complements the marinade.
- Water chestnuts – For a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender chicken.
Cooking & Seasoning
- Vegetable oil & sesame oil – Helps sear and infuse the chicken with richness.
- Toasted sesame seeds – A garnish that adds texture and a nutty aroma.
- Flour, black pepper, salt, and a dash of seasoninenhancees the flavours.
Side Dish Recommendation
- White rice – The perfect neutral base to absorb the delicious sauce.
How to Make Honolulu Chicken
1. Prepare the Marinade
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger to create a flavorful marinade.
- Add the chicken breasts or thighs, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to develop.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
- While the chicken marinates, slice the bell peppers and carrots and chop the green onions for later use.
3. Sear the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the liquid) and sear for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.
4. Stir-fry the Vegetables
- Add bell peppers, carrots, and onions in the same skillet.
- Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
5. Combine & Cook
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
- Return the seared chicken to the pan and cover.
- Let it cook for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the thickened sauce.
6. Final Touches
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra layer of flavour.
- Serve immediately over rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
How to Serve Honolulu Chicken
Start with a base:
- Steamed white rice for a classic approach.
- Coconut rice for an extra tropical touch.
- Hawaiian fried rice for a bold, flavorful variation.
- Rice noodles for a lighter alternative.
Enhance with toppings and sauces:
- Drizzle teriyaki sauce or a homemade pineapple glaze for added richness.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds & green onions for garnish.
- Serve with a side of sriracha mayo or sweet chilli sauce for a spicy contrast.
Complete your meal with Hawaiian-inspired sides:
- Grilled pineapple slices for a caramelized sweetness.
- Macaroni salad for a creamy balance.
- Hawaiian coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
Pair with a refreshing drink like pineapple lemonade, coconut water, or Hawaiian punch to round out the tropical experience.
How to Store Honolulu Chicken
Short-Term Storage (3–4 days)
- Let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing.
- Place in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40°F (4°C).
Long-Term Storage (Up to 3 months)
- Use a freezer-safe container or a Ziploc bag.
- Label with the date to track freshness.
Reheating Instructions
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to maintain moisture.
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 10–15 minutes to keep the exterior crispy.
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
- Sauce Storage: Store separately to preserve the texture of the chicken when reheating.
Final Thoughts
Honolulu Chicken is the ultimate fusion of tropical flavours and comforting textures. Its sweet, savoury, and slightly tangy taste can be enjoyed in countless ways—whether as a simple rice dish, a sandwich, or even a creative poke bowl. The combination of juicy, well-marinated chicken with the vibrant flavours of pineapple, soy sauce, and aromatic seasonings makes this recipe a standout choice for any occasion.
Simple to prepare yet packed with big, bold flavours, Honolulu Chicken is a meal that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to a taste of the islands, this dish brings the spirit of Hawaii straight to your plate.
FAQs About Honolulu Chicken
- What is Honolulu Chicken made of?
Honolulu Chicken is made with juicy chicken thighs or boneless breasts marinated in a tropical blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, and aromatic spices. It’s then seared to perfection and served with rice or other Hawaiian-inspired sides. - What does Honolulu Chicken taste like?
Honolulu Chicken has a sweet, savoury, and slightly tangy flavour. The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and garlic creates a rich umami taste. At the same time, caramelization during cooking enhances its deep, smoky-sweet notes. - How do you serve Honolulu Chicken?
This dish pairs well with coconut rice, pineapple salsa, macaroni salad, or a sandwich or wrap. You can also serve it in a poke bowl, with stir-fried noodles, or as a filling for a Hawaiian chicken burger. - Can you make Honolulu Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! To enhance the flavour, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours. Once cooked, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months for easy meal prep. - What are the best side dishes for Honolulu Chicken?
Classic Hawaiian sides like grilled pineapple, macaroni salad, Hawaiian fried rice, or fresh coleslaw complement the dish perfectly. For a tropical touch, you can also serve it with steamed white rice or coconut rice. - Is Honolulu Chicken gluten-free?
The traditional recipe contains soy sauce, which contains gluten. However, you can make it gluten-free by substituting tamari or coconut aminos. Be sure to check labels on spices and seasonings for gluten-free certification. - Can I cook Honolulu Chicken on a grill or in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Grilling gives the chicken a smoky flavour, while an air fryer creates a crispy exterior. For grilling, cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side. In an air fryer, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Honolulu Chicken recpie
Equipment
- Skillet
- Tupperware or airtight food container for storing
- Microwave, oven, or stovetop for reheating
- Dutch oven or campfire pot for cooking while camping (optional)
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 800g Chicken thigh fillets or boneless chicken breasts halved
- 80ml or ⅓ cop Barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 80ml or ⅓ cup Pineapple juice 80ml or 1/3 cup
- Flavor Enhancers
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 small Brown onion thinly sliced
- 2 Green shallots sliced diagonally
- 1 cup Green onions chopped
- 1 cup Bell pepper sliced
- 160g or ½ cup Peach & mango jam peach preserves
- 1 can 6 ounces Water chestnuts
- Cooking and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Sesame oil
- ½ tbsp Sesame seeds toasted
- ¼ cup Flour
- ¼ tbsp Black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Dash of seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade
- Mix soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger in a bowl to create the marinade.
- Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Slice and Prepare the Vegetables
- Slice the bell pepper and carrots.
- Chop the green onions.
- Sear the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade), and sear each chicken breast for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned.
- Set the chicken aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper, carrots, and chopped onion.
- Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Combine and Cook
- Add the reserved marinade to the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and coated in the sauce.
Notes
Serve with rice for a flavorful meal.
