Quick Hawaiian Chicken Stir Fry

Craving a delicious Hawaiian Chicken stir fry? This easy recipe features tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and vibrant bell peppers—all ready in just 30 minutes!

May 16, 2025
By Christopher Lin.

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Quick Hawaiian Chicken Stir Fry: Tropical Flavors in 30 Minutes!

Hey there! if you've ever craved a little taste of the tropics without taking a plane ride to hawaii, this hawaiian chicken recipe is your ticket! it’s a quick and delicious stir fry featuring tender chicken pieces, sweet pineapple chunks, and colorful bell peppers, all coated in a homemade sweet and sour sauce that's ready to go in just 30 minutes .

Seriously, how good does that sound?

This dish is inspired by the beautiful islands of hawaii where food is all about freshness and flavor. plus, it brings that american-hawaiian fusion vibe right into your kitchen.

If you’re looking for an easy chicken stir fry for a weeknight dinner, you’ve hit the jackpot!

The beauty of this recipe is in the ease of prep. it's easy , it only takes 10 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook .

You’ll end up with 4 generous servings, perfect for sharing with your family—or hoarding entirely for yourself because you deserve it!

Now let me tell you, the real highlight here is the sweet and sour sauce . it’s made from nothing fancy—just pineapple juice, soy sauce, and a dash of ginger.

This sauce gets poured over all the colorful veggies and chicken, soaking everything in that tropical goodness. boom! now you have a fast family meal that feels like a mini-vacation on a plate.

What’s more? this hawaiian chicken doesn’t just pack a flavor punch; it’s a pretty healthy option too. with chicken, bell peppers, and juicy pineapple, you get a nice mix of protein and vitamins.

Plus, it's totally dairy-free , making it a great option for many diets. whether you're hosting a casual gathering or looking for quick summer recipes , this one is bound to impress!

So, if you’re ready to whip up something that’s bursting with tropical flavor and is super easy to make, grab your utensils, and let’s dive right into the ingredient list! 🌴

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Hawaiian Chicken Stir Fry

When you're diving into this hawaiian chicken stir fry recipe, having the right ingredients and equipment on hand makes all the difference.

Trust me, the jump from "i’m hungry" to "wow, that was amazing!" can be as simple as being prepared. so let’s break this down, shall we?

Main Ingredients

For the Stir Fry

• 2 teaspoons olive oil : Look for extra virgin if you can. It adds a lovely flavor!
• 1 pound (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breast , cut into 1-inch pieces: Fresh is best here, but frozen works too; just thaw it out first!
• Salt and pepper : Use to taste. Freshly cracked black pepper amps up flavor.
• 1 red bell pepper , diced: Go for vibrant colors! Bright red really pops in this dish.
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 g) pineapple chunks , juice and fruit separated: Sweet and juicy, canned is super convenient.

For the Sauce

• 1 cup (240 ml) pineapple juice : We’ll use the juice from the can. Sweet and tangy!
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) chicken broth : Homemade or store-bought, doesn’t matter too much. Just check for sodium levels if you’re watching it.
• ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce : Low-sodium is an option if you like.
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar : This balances the acidity of the pineapple.
• 1 clove garlic , minced: Use fresh if you can. It packs a ton of flavor!
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger , grated: A must for that aromatic touch.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Love a little heat? Toss those in!
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water : This will thicken things up beautifully.

For Garnish

• Sesame seeds : Toast them for an extra nutty crunch.
• Green onions , chopped: They add a fresh, vibrant finish.

Seasoning Notes

Here’s the deal: for that authentic American-Hawaiian fusion vibe, you want sweetness balanced with savory. Garlic , ginger , and a pinch of red pepper flakes are your BFFs here.

Oh, and if you're short on any spices? No problem! Use garlic powder or fresh minced onion in a pinch. Just keep that tropical essence in mind!

Equipment Needed

Now, onto the fun stuff – the gear! You don’t need a fancy kitchen for this. Here’s what you’ll want:

• Large skillet or wok : Essential for that perfect stir fry. If you don’t have a wok, a frying pan works just fine.
• Mixing bowl : Grab a medium one to whip up that sauce; no need for anything too fancy.
• Measuring cups and spoons : Precision is key when you’re mixing flavors!
• Cutting board and knife : Keep everything tidy, and your fingers safe.
• Whisk or spoon for mixing : Use whatever feels comfortable. I like a whisk for the sauce.

And there you have it! you’re now armed with all the essentials for a quick stir fry that wows everyone at your dinner table.

Seriously, how easy is that? go grab your gear, and let’s whip up some deliciousness together!

Get Ready to Sizzle: Prep Steps for Hawaiian Chicken Stir Fry

Alright, friends! Let’s dive into this Hawaiian Chicken Stir Fry that’s going to make your taste buds do a happy dance. Before we hit the skillet, it's all about getting organized.

Essential mise en place: chop your chicken into 1-inch pieces and keep everything lined up. i’m talking that red bell pepper diced , and those juicy pineapple chunks ready to roll .

It’s like pre-gaming for dinner!

Time-saving organization tips: grab those ingredients out first—no one has time to rummage through the pantry when you're hungry, right? a little prep goes a long way! you’ll feel like a culinary ninja.

Safety Reminders: Watch those knives, fam! Keep your fingers tucked. And remember to wash your hands after handling chicken. Nobody wants to get sick—seriously!

Let’s Cook: Step-by-Step Process

Alright, here’s how we whip up this deliciousness! Follow these numbered instructions and you’re golden.

1. Make the sauce: whisk together the pineapple juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl.

   If you’re feeling spicy, toss in those red pepper flakes. set it aside.

2. Heat It Up: In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil . Swirl it around like you mean it!

3. Cook the chicken: toss in 1 pound of cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. cook for about 8 minutes until it’s nearly done and starting to brown.

   You’re looking for a nice golden color.

4. Add the Bells: Mix in that diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2- 3 minutes . We want it softened, but still crisp! Yum.

5. In with the pineapple: add those drained pineapple chunks to the skillet. cook for around 3- 4 minutes until warmed through and getting all caramelized.

   Trust me, this is where the magic happens.

6. Pour in the sauce: toss that beautiful sauce into the skillet. stir it all up and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes .

   This is when you’ll really start to smell the hawaiian vibes!

7. Thicken it up: mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water . pour that slurry in while stirring. cook for another 2- 3 minutes until the sauce gets thick and glossy.

8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions . Serve hot over rice or whatever floats your boat!

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Stir Fry Game

• Use Fresh Veggies: Sneak in other colorful veggies like snap peas or broccoli for a kick. You won’t regret it.

• Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t overcrowd that skillet. It needs room to breathe, or else your chicken will steam instead of sauté!

• Make-Ahead Options: You can totally prep this the night before. It actually tastes better the next day, which is a win for meal prep lovers!

So there you have it! a quick, easy, and delicious hawaiian chicken stir fry that’ll wow your family on a busy weeknight.

It’s got that sweet and savory swagger, and it fits right into your 30-minute meal ideas rotation. happy cooking, folks!

Hawaiian Chicken Stir Fry Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions

Okay, so you’ve just whipped up this hawaiian chicken stir fry , and let me tell you, it’s absolutely mouth-watering! when it comes to plating and presentation, don’t be shy to get a little fancy .

Serve it up in a shallow bowl over a mound of steamed jasmine rice —the fluffy white grains soak up all that delicious homemade sweet and sour sauce.

You might even sprinkle some sesame seeds and fresh green onions on top for that extra pop.

Now, if you're looking for complementary sides, i absolutely recommend a refreshing cucumber salad . it cuts through the sweetness of the stir fry and keeps things light.

And don't forget to wash it down with a chilled pineapple smoothie , bringing that tropical vibe right to your dinner table!

Storage Tips

After you’ve enjoyed this quick stir fry , don’t panic if you have leftovers. this dish actually stores well! just pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge.

It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days . honestly, i find it gets even better overnight as all those flavors meld together.

If you want to freeze it, simply let it cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. it can last up to 3 months .

When you're ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat.

Quick tip: add a splash of chicken broth to keep it juicy!

Variations

One of the cool things about this easy chicken stir fry is how customizable it is. if you're feeling adventurous, swap out chicken for tofu to make it vegetarian.

Trust me, crispy tofu in that sweet and sour sauce is a game-changer! for a fresh twist, consider using seasonal veggies like snap peas or bok choy instead of bell peppers.

It'll keep the dish vibrant and colorful—and so instagram-worthy!

Nutrition Basics

Alright, let’s chat nutrition. each serving packs around 262 calories and a whopping 27 grams of protein . this makes it a solid option for those late-night dinner cravings without the guilt.

Plus, you've got the health benefits of pineapple, which is high in vitamin c, good for your immune system!

In summary, this 30-minute meal is not only quick and easy but also brings a whole lot of flavor and nutrition to your dinner table.

So, whether it's a weekday or a splash of tropical flair on a summer night, you can’t go wrong with this hawaiian chicken stir fry .

Go on and give it a try, and let the flavors transport you to sunny hawaii! 🍍

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Quick Hawaiian Chicken Stir Fry Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces) pineapple chunks, juice and fruit separated
• Pineapple juice from can (about 1 cup)
• ⅓ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Sesame seeds
• Green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 8 minutes until nearly cooked through and beginning to brown.
3. Stir in the diced bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
4. Add the drained pineapple chunks, gently mixing them with the chicken and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and lightly caramelized.
5. Pour in the prepared sauce, stirring to coat. Let simmer for about 5 minutes to meld flavours and reduce the sauce slightly.
6. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Drizzle into the sauce while stirring. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce is thickened and glossy.
7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and serve hot over rice or your choice of side dish.