Name: Hawaiian Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken breasts; 1.5 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); 0.5 cup soy sauce (low sodium); 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin); 1 tsp ginger (grated); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)

Hey food explorers, buckle up for a flavor trip to the tropics with my Hawaiian Delight! This dish is a little sweet, a bit savory, and oh-so-crazy good because it’s totally simple but packs a punch in the flavor department. You know how sometimes you want to just throw something together that looks (and tastes) like you’ve slaved over it all day? Well, this beauty is your ticket. Also, if you’ve ever wished for a way to escape to an island paradise while standing in your kitchen, this might just be it. Seriously, you NEED to try this.

So listen, this Hawaiian Delight has basically become the unofficial dish of our household. My husband loves it so much he pretty much requests it for every other dinner. It’s one of those go-to recipes that feels like a big, warm hug at a family dinner — the kind where everyone’s talking over each other and forgetting to pass the salt. It’s been a staple since our little one exclaimed mid-bite, “This is magic!”, and that’s basically as good as a Michelin star in our book.

🧡

MORE OF OUR FAVORITE…

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Delight

– It takes you to the beach (in your mind) without leaving your dining room. Who needs a plane ticket?
– Sweet and savory tango beautifully here, so your taste buds are gonna have a party.
– Impresses guests even when you just threw it together last minute because life, right?

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get this rolling. Picture me chatting to you over the clatter of kitchen chaos. Start by preheating your oven, basically just get it good and hot — around 375°F ought to do it. Grab your trusty baking dish, greasing it up a bit so things don’t stick like a clingy ex.

In a bowl, mix some brown sugar with soy sauce and I highly recommend getting your hands messy with this part. You’ll then want to throw in chunks of fresh pineapple (or canned, if that’s your jam) because what’s a Hawaiian Delight without it, right? Add in the chicken pieces, let them roll around in that tasty bath. They’ll thank you later by tasting amazing.

Pop it all into your prepared dish, slide it into the oven, and let it work its magic for about 25-30 minutes. Use that time to dance around the kitchen because hey, you’re making something incredible happen.

Ingredient Notes

– **Chicken:** Go for thighs if you like ’em juicy. Just make sure they’re skinless because crispy skin doesn’t really jive here.
– **Soy Sauce:** Adds the savory punch. No, you can’t skip it! This is what ties everything together.
– **Pineapple:** Honestly, fresh is best for that zesty zing, but I once used canned when the fridge was bare — just make sure you drain it like it’s nobody’s business.

Recipe Steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Grease a baking dish lightly.
3. Mix brown sugar and soy sauce in a bowl.
4. Add pineapple and chicken to the mix, coat well.
5. Place everything in the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.

What to Serve It With

Serve this sweet-and-savory wonder with some white rice because I mean, what else even is there? Cauliflower rice if you’re feeling virtuous. Or hey, just slice up some crusty bread and sop up the sauce. You do you.

Tips & Mistakes

Plan on it accidentally being taken by aliens, because it disappears very fast. You can lighten the sweetness or kick it up with some extra pineapple juice.

Storage Tips

Throw the leftovers in the fridge. If you’re anything like me, hovering it over the sink cold for breakfast the next day is entirely acceptable. Just know, it soaks up flavors overnight like a sponge and tastes even better.

Variations and Substitutions

Got no brown sugar? Try honey or maple syrup. Wanna keep it gluten-free? Swap soy sauce for tamari. And yes, I’ve skipped the sesame oil once and while it wasn’t AS delish, we still inhaled it.

Frequently Asked Questions

I can’t have gluten… will this still work?

Totally. Just switch the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. I’ve done it more times than I can count. Still tastes bomb.

Do I have to peel the pineapple first? Asking for a friend.

Yeah… definitely peel it. Unless you’re into chewing bark. It’s not fun, trust me.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Been there, done that. Just drain it like your life depends on it. Still good, just not *as* wow.

How sweet is this? Can I tone it down a bit?

You totally can. Cut the sugar a little or swap in honey or maple syrup. I’ve done both when I ran out of brown sugar.

What if I skip the sesame oil?

Honestly? It’s fine. You’ll lose that toasted vibe, but it’s not a dealbreaker. Still delicious.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!