Hawaiian Huli Huli Garlic Butter Chicken
Hawaiian Huli Huli Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |
Hawaiian Huli Huli Garlic Butter Chicken: Taste Paradise!
Fancy a trip to Hawaii without the jet lag? Have you ever thought about Garlic Butter Chicken with Pineapple ? It's like sunshine on a plate, mate.
It's a burst of tropical flavour that'll make you say "Aloha!" after every bite. Honestly, this dish is where sweet meets savoury in the best possible way.
What's the Story?
This recipe is inspired by the legendary Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe , you know, that smoky, grilled goodness. We've taken those iconic flavours and given them a little Garlic Butter Chicken twist.
It is an Easy Chicken and Pineapple Recipe that's quick, easy, and totally weeknight friendly. This recipe makes four decent servings.
Perfect for a family dinner.
Why You'll Love It
This isn't just another Pineapple Chicken recipe. It’s a Sweet and Savory Chicken Recipe and provides a healthy dose of protein and a vitamin C boost from the pineapple.
It's also ridiculously versatile. Serve it over rice, alongside some steamed veggies, or even in tacos. It's the perfect Tropical Chicken Dinner for those dreary days when you need a bit of sunshine in your life.
Oh my gosh!. What makes this recipe special? That Garlic Butter Pineapple Sauce ! It's sticky, sweet, and totally addictive.
What You'll Need
Right, let's get the ingredients sorted for this Chicken with Pineapple . You'll need about 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Plus, butter, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick), a can of pineapple chunks, cornstarch, and some fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish.
Easy peasy! And it's ready in about 40 minutes. Great for a Weeknight Chicken Meal !.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!
Right then, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this absolutely cracking Garlic Butter Chicken with Pineapple . Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward, even if you're not exactly Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen.
Tropical Chicken Dinner doesn't have to be complicated!
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless. Chop them into 1 inch pieces. Honestly, chicken thighs are where it's at. They stay juicy and don't dry out like breasts sometimes do.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Just your regular stuff.
- Butter: 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted. Go for proper butter, not the spreadable stuff. Makes a difference, it does.
- Garlic: 6 cloves , minced. Fresh is best here, trust me! Pre-minced garlic just isn't the same.
- Ginger: 1 inch (2.5cm) , grated. Adds a lovely zing, doesn't it?
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Don't go overboard with the saltiness, yeah?
- Brown Sugar: 2 tbsp (30ml) . Adds a lovely caramel like sweetness.
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tbsp (15ml) . For that bit of tang.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional). If you like a bit of a kick!
- Pineapple Chunks: 1 (20 oz / 567g) can , drained. Keep 2 tbsp of the juice!
- Cornstarch Slurry: 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water. This is your thickening agent.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped, for garnish.
- Sesame Seeds: For garnish (optional).
For the Pineapple Chicken , quality pineapple makes a difference. Look for chunks that are a nice golden colour and smell sweet.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
This Garlic Butter Pineapple Sauce is really the magic, isn't it? The soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar are your umami, sweet, and sour combo.
Red pepper flakes add that touch of heat. If you're after something similar to Huli Huli Chicken Recipe , don't be shy with the ginger.
Feeling adventurous? A dash of smoked paprika adds a lovely depth of flavour.
If you don't have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: A good non-stick one is your best friend.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Because accuracy is key.
- Mixing Bowl: For prepping the chicken.
- Whisk: To get that sauce nice and smooth.
That's it, really. No need for any fancy gadgets to make this Sweet and Savory Chicken Recipe . If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do.
Let's get cooking this Easy Chicken and Pineapple Recipe . Honestly? It's a Weeknight Chicken Meal champion. This Garlic Butter Chicken is a winner, winner, chicken dinner.
Let's Cook Up Some Huli Huli Garlic Butter Chicken with Pineapple, Shall We?
Fancy a taste of the tropics? Let's make Garlic Butter Chicken with Pineapple . I'm talking proper comfort food. But with a sunshine twist.
You know what I mean. I was inspired when i saw this beautiful recipe, and thought it was good to add it to my cookbook
This Chicken Pineapple dish is my go-to for weeknight dinners. Honestly, it's dead easy. It's also a guaranteed crowd pleaser. My mates always wolf it down! We're talking about a Sweet and Savory Chicken Recipe that's ready in a flash.
Prep Steps: Essential Mise en Place
Right then, first things first. Get your ingredients prepped. It's called "mise en place," fancy that. Chop up 6 cloves of garlic.
Grate about an inch of ginger. Drain a can of pineapple chunks. Don't chuck the juice. Reserve two tablespoons of it.
This helps to make a proper Garlic Butter Pineapple Sauce . We wanna make it sweet.
Time saving tip: I usually buy pre-cut chicken. Saves me a job. Always double check your knives are sharp. Dull knives are dangerous.
Speaking of danger, wash your hands after handling raw chicken. You don't want salmonella, trust me.
Step-by-Step Process: From Skillet to Scrumptious
- Season 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Be generous, now.
- Sear the chicken in a large skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil over medium high heat. Brown it on all sides. About 3- 4 minutes per side should do it. Don't cook it all the way through yet. Remove and set aside.
- Melt 4 tbsp butter in the same skillet. Add the garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds . You want it fragrant, not burnt.
- Stir in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, red pepper flakes (if using), and the reserved pineapple juice.
- Whisk in a cornstarch slurry. (2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water). Cook until thickened. This takes about 1 minute.
- Add the chicken and pineapple to the skillet. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is glossy. About 5- 7 minutes .
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Sear in batches. Otherwise, it steams. Fresh ingredients are key. The pre-minced garlic just isn't the same. Trust me on this one.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking. Omit them altogether if you're a wimp. Kidding! Don't overcook the chicken in the sauce.
It will become dry. Taste as you go, adjust seasoning. A squeeze of lime brightens it up. If you want it sweeter, add more sugar!
Honestly, this Easy Chicken and Pineapple Recipe is a winner. It tastes of holidays. Tropical Chicken Dinner sorted. You won't regret making it.
If you want that extra umami, make sure to add Garlic Butter Chicken , it is the foundation of this meal.
Recipe Notes for Hawaiian Huli Huli Garlic Butter Chicken with Pineapple
Right, so you’re about to whip up this Garlic Butter Chicken with Pineapple . You know, sometimes recipes are like little adventures.
Here are some of my notes to help you navigate this one!
Serving Up Sunshine: Plating and Presentation
Okay, presentation. This Chicken Pineapple dish screams tropical, yeah? Think bright! Serve it over fluffy rice. Sprinkle with extra cilantro.
I sometimes add a wedge of lime, too. Want to be fancy? Hollow out a pineapple half for a super cool serving bowl.
I did that once! It was a laugh, but looked amazing. For drinks, a light beer or iced tea works wonders.
Storing Your Pineapple Chicken : Top Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Chicken with Pineapple is even better the next day. Honestly. Pop it in an airtight container.
Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Freezing isn't the best idea, but it can work. Just be aware the pineapple might get a bit mushy.
To reheat, microwave or gently warm in a pan. Make sure the chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
Garlic Butter Chicken Remix: Variations
Fancy a tweak? For a gluten free option, ditch the soy sauce. Use coconut aminos instead. I did this for my mate Sarah who's coeliac and she loved it! Watching your carbs? Skip the rice.
Serve with cauliflower rice or loads of steamed greens. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try using fresh mango instead of pineapple when it's in season? This Sweet and Savory Chicken Recipe is super versatile.
Garlic Butter Pineapple Sauce : Nutrition Snippets
Let's keep it real. This dish is tasty and reasonably good for you. Chicken is packed with protein. Pineapple brings vitamin C and those bromelain enzymes that help digestion.
A proper Tropical Chicken Dinner , right? Just watch the sugar in the sauce. Everything in moderation, my friend!
So, there you have it! My personal notes to help you nail this Easy Chicken and Pineapple Recipe . Don't be afraid to experiment.
Have fun, and enjoy your Weeknight Chicken Meal ! I'm confident you will ace this recipe and come up with a delicious Huli Huli Chicken Recipe !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Garlic Butter Chicken with Pineapple recipe?
You can indeed! Chicken breasts will work, but keep in mind they tend to dry out faster than thighs. I'd recommend cutting them into smaller pieces and being extra careful not to overcook them in the sauce. Maybe baste them a little more often with that delicious garlic butter pineapple glaze!
How do I store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken with Pineapple? Will it still taste good the next day?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheating it is a doddle either microwave it or gently warm it in a skillet over medium low heat. It tastes jolly good the next day, and the flavours really meld together. You could even throw it in a wrap for lunch!
I don't have rice vinegar. What can I use as a substitute in this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe?
No rice vinegar? No worries, mate! Apple cider vinegar or even white wine vinegar will do the trick. They'll both add that touch of acidity you need to balance the sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for and you'll be golden.
Is there a way to make this Garlic Butter Chicken with Pineapple spicier? I like a bit of a kick!
Absolutely! If you're a bit of a chili head, there are a few ways to crank up the heat. You could add a finely chopped chili pepper (a scotch bonnet would give it a right old kick!) to the garlic butter sauce.
Alternatively, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or even add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end. Go on, be a devil!
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Does it affect the cooking time for the Garlic Butter Chicken with Pineapple?
Using fresh pineapple is a brilliant idea! It'll definitely elevate the flavour profile. Just make sure it's ripe and juicy. Chop it into bite sized pieces similar to the canned chunks. The cooking time shouldn't be affected significantly, just keep an eye on it and ensure everything is cooked through properly.
I'm trying to watch my weight. How can I make this Garlic Butter Chicken with Pineapple healthier?
Right, let's make it a bit healthier then. You could use less butter and swap some for a light olive oil spray. Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or erythritol instead of brown sugar. Serve with cauliflower rice or a big green salad instead of regular rice. And remember, portion control is key!
