My Hawaiian friend first showed me this recipe, and we’ve been eating it regularly since!

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How to Make Hawaiian Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry

1. Cook the Chicken

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Prepare the Veggies

In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still have some crunch. Add the ginger and cook for another minute to release its aromatic flavor.

3. Add the Pineapple

Add the fresh pineapple chunks to the pan and stir them in with the vegetables. The natural juices from the pineapple will help to create a wonderful sauce.

4. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry, then add it to the sauce mixture. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and veggies, and toss everything together.

5. Simmer and Coat

Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and coat the chicken and veggies. If you like your sauce to be a bit thicker, you can let it simmer a bit longer.

6. Serve

Once the stir-fry is coated in the sauce and everything is heated through, remove from the heat. Serve the dish hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor.

Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Stir-Fry

• Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, but canned pineapple works if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well before adding it to the stir-fry.
• Customize the Vegetables: While bell peppers and onions are classic, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or broccoli for more variety and color.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on how sweet or tangy you like your stir-fries, adjust the amount of honey or soy sauce. You can also add a splash of lime juice for a fresh citrus kick.
• Serve Over Rice: This stir-fry is fantastic served over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This Hawaiian Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It brings together the bold and tropical flavors of Hawaii in a dish that is quick, easy, and full of delicious surprises. Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just want to enjoy a new family favorite, this dish has something for everyone.

It’s a dish that, once you try it, you’ll want to make again and again, just like we have. Thanks to my Hawaiian friend who first shared it with me, I’ll always have this delightful recipe in my culinary repertoire—and now you can, too! So give it a try and enjoy a little taste of Hawaii right in your own kitchen.

Aloha! 🍍