Sweet Hawaiian Chicken: A Tropical Twist on a Comfort Food Favorite

If you dream of sunshine, palm trees, and a plate full of sticky, sweet, savory chicken, you’re going to fall in love with Sweet Hawaiian Chicken.

Tender chicken pieces are lightly fried until golden, then tossed in a thick, sticky sauce made with pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. It’s sweet, tangy, and just a little savory—the ultimate tropical comfort food.

Whether you’re serving it over fluffy rice, wrapping it into lettuce cups, or enjoying it straight from the pan, this dish will bring instant island vibes to your dinner table.

Let’s take a little flavor vacation!

Why You’ll Love Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

• Sticky-sweet sauce with juicy chicken
• Tropical flavors that feel like a getaway
• Easy to make with simple pantry staples
• Perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining
• Meal prep friendly and freezes beautifully

Every bite is packed with that irresistible sweet and savory magic.

Ingredients for Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

This recipe makes about 4 servings.

For the chicken:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying

For the sauce:

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Optional toppings:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh pineapple chunks

For serving:

• Steamed white rice or coconut rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Coat and Fry the Chicken

Place the cornstarch in one shallow bowl and the beaten eggs in another.

Dredge each piece of chicken first in the cornstarch, then dip it into the egg.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the coated chicken pieces in batches.

Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

2. Make the Sweet Hawaiian Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat:

• Combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger.

Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

Mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry.

Whisk the slurry into the sauce.

Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy, sticky glaze.

3. Toss Chicken in Sauce

Add the fried chicken pieces into the saucepan with the hot glaze.

Toss well to coat every piece in that delicious, sticky sauce.

Simmer together for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors soak in.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the Sweet Hawaiian Chicken over hot, fluffy rice.

Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and pineapple chunks if desired.

Serve immediately and enjoy a tropical explosion of flavor in every bite!

Tips for the Best Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

• Cut chicken into even pieces for even cooking
• Use cornstarch for the crispiest coating
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying—work in batches
• Simmer the sauce until thick before tossing with chicken
• Garnish for extra freshness and a pop of color

Sticky, sweet, and just the right amount of tropical!

Fun Variations to Try

Want to put your own twist on it? Here are some great ideas:

Spicy Hawaiian Chicken:

• Add 1–2 tablespoons of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Coconut Hawaiian Chicken:

• Stir 1/4 cup coconut milk into the sauce for a creamy island flavor.

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken:

• Grill marinated chicken breasts and drizzle with the sweet pineapple sauce.

Vegetarian Hawaiian “Chicken”:

• Use crispy tofu cubes instead of chicken for a plant-based version.

Mango Hawaiian Chicken:

• Add diced fresh mango with the pineapple for an extra burst of sweetness.

There are endless ways to enjoy these sunny flavors!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

To make ahead:

• Fry the chicken and prepare the sauce separately.
• Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

To store leftovers:

• Store cooked and sauced chicken in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To freeze:

• Freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months.
• Thaw and toss with fresh sauce when ready to eat.

To reheat:

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Add a splash of pineapple juice if needed to loosen the sauce.

Perfect for busy nights or easy meal prepping!

What to Serve with Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with simple, tropical sides.

Perfect pairings:

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• Coconut rice with toasted coconut
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Grilled pineapple slices
• Crisp green salad with ginger dressing

It’s a sunny meal that’s sure to brighten your table!

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FAQs

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Bake coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2. Can I use canned pineapple instead of just juice?

Absolutely. Drain canned pineapple, reserve the juice for the sauce, and add the pineapple chunks as garnish or mix them in with the chicken.

3. What’s the best oil for frying the chicken?

Use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for a clean fry without overpowering the sweet sauce flavors.

4. How do I make the sauce spicier?

Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering to give it a nice kick.

5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions.

6. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce a little longer, or add a touch more cornstarch slurry (always mix cornstarch with cold water first before adding to hot sauce).

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and gluten-free cornstarch to keep everything safe for gluten-free eaters.

8. Can I use a different meat or protein?

Sure! Shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced pork would work beautifully in place of chicken for a new twist.

9. How do I keep the chicken crispy after tossing in sauce?

Toss the chicken lightly just before serving, or drizzle the sauce on top rather than soaking the chicken if you want maximum crunch.

10. Can I double the sauce for extra drizzle?

Absolutely! This sauce is so good you’ll want more. Just double all the sauce ingredients and enjoy it over rice or veggies too.