Aloha chicken brings tropical flavors to your table, with tender chicken thighs marinated in pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Grilled until caramelized, each juicy bite offers a sweet and tangy taste with a hint of lime. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this dish turns any dinner into a vibrant, beachside-inspired feast.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This aloha chicken
- It’s a tropical escape on your plate!
- Sweet and savory flavors that dance together.
- Perfect for grilling season or any family gathering.
- Quick and easy to prepare, even on busy nights.
- Kid-approved and sure to please everyone!
aloha chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Add chicken breasts to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- While the chicken cooks, bring the reserved marinade to a boil in a saucepan, then simmer until slightly thickened.
- During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add pineapple chunks to the grill or skillet and cook until lightly charred.
- Brush the thickened glaze over the chicken and pineapple for extra flavor.
- Slice the chicken, arrange it on a platter with the pineapple, and garnish with scallions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 20g |
Ingredients
Gather these flavorful ingredients to create your delicious Aloha Chicken!
- 1½ lbs chicken breasts – boneless and skinless
- 1 cup pineapple juice – fresh or canned
- ½ cup soy sauce – low-sodium recommended
- 3 tbsp brown sugar – packed for sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic – minced for flavor
- 1 tsp fresh ginger – grated for zest
- 1 tsp paprika – adds a nice color
- salt and pepper to taste – seasoning as preferred
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for grilling
- 1 cup pineapple chunks – for a tropical touch
- sliced scallions – for garnish
How to Make Aloha Chicken
This delightful Aloha Chicken recipe is perfect for a sunny day! With a preparation time of 1 hour, cooking time of 15 minutes, and a little extra time for marinating, you’ll have a delicious Hawaiian-style meal ready to impress your family and friends.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Step 2: Marinate Chicken
Add chicken breasts to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 3: Preheat Grill
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil.
Step 4: Grill Chicken
Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
Step 5: Prepare Marinade Glaze
While the chicken cooks, bring the reserved marinade to a boil in a saucepan, then simmer until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Add Pineapple
During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add pineapple chunks to the grill or skillet and cook until lightly charred.
Step 7: Brush Glaze
Brush the thickened glaze over the chicken and pineapple for extra flavor.
Step 8: Serve
Slice the chicken, arrange it on a platter with the pineapple, and garnish with scallions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Hawaiian |
| Prep Time | 60 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 75 minutes |
| Dietary | Low-sodium |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot with grilled pineapple! |
Pro Tips for Making Aloha Chicken
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Grill on medium heat to achieve a perfect char.
- Add fresh pineapple slices for a tropical twist.
- Serve with coconut rice for a complete meal.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
How to Serve this aloha chicken
- Serve with coconut rice for a tropical twist.
- Pair with a fresh pineapple salsa for added sweetness.
- Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for crunch.
- Enjoy alongside a crisp garden salad with a citrus vinaigrette.
- Wrap in lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb option.
- Serve with grilled veggies for a colorful plate.
- Complement with a refreshing mango smoothie.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store Aloha Chicken for later enjoyment:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow chicken to cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Aloha Chicken
- Cool the chicken completely before freezing.
- Wrap portions in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Aloha Chicken
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Use a microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is an aloha chicken?
Aloha chicken is a delicious dish inspired by Hawaiian cuisine, typically featuring grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce made from ingredients like pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger. It’s known for its tropical flavors and is often served with rice or vegetables, making it a perfect meal for summer barbecues or family dinners.
2. What does Huli Huli chicken taste like?
Huli Huli chicken is known for its sweet and savory flavor profile. The marinade usually includes ingredients like brown sugar, soy sauce, and ginger, which caramelize beautifully when grilled. This results in a juicy, tender chicken with a slightly smoky taste, complemented by the sweetness of the marinade, making it a delightful dish that captures the essence of Hawaiian cooking.
3. What is Hawaiian chicken Chinese food?
Hawaiian chicken in Chinese cuisine often refers to a stir-fried dish that combines chicken with pineapple, bell peppers, and a sweet sauce. It’s a fusion dish that reflects the multicultural influences in Hawaii, blending traditional Chinese cooking techniques with tropical ingredients. This dish is typically served over rice and is loved for its vibrant flavors and colorful presentation.
4. What kind of rice goes with Hawaiian chicken?
When serving Hawaiian chicken, jasmine rice or coconut rice are excellent choices. Jasmine rice has a fragrant aroma and a slightly sticky texture that pairs well with the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. Coconut rice, made with coconut milk, adds a rich, tropical flavor that complements the dish beautifully, enhancing the overall Hawaiian experience.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to savor the tropical flavors of Aloha Chicken! This easy recipe is not just a meal; it’s a mini-vacation on your plate. With its sweet and tangy glaze, you’ll feel like you’re dining in paradise. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and enjoy this delightful dish that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat!